Our Patron

With her commitment to the welfare of the family, including the concern of advancing the rights and best interests of children, Ms Bryce’s patronage is an invaluable pledge of support in Relationships Australia's mission to build ‘Positive and respectful relationships’.

Her contribution to advancing human rights and equality, the rights of women and children, and the welfare of the family was recognised in her appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988 and a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2003.

On 5 September 2008, Ms Quentin Bryce AC was sworn in as Australia’s twenty-fifth Governor-General.  The first woman to take up the office, she remains a pioneer in contemporary Australian society, and yet one who brings more than forty years of experience in reform, community building and leadership to the role.

  As a mother and grandmother, Her Excellency is a role model and mentor to women at every stage of their lives.  She values and encourages women’s capacity to form strong and enduring bonds of friendship, intellectual and emotional enrichment, and mutual support in their roles within the family, workplace and community.

In April 2009, Her Excellency met with Relationships Australia’s National President, Harold Bates-Brownsword, National Director, Rhonda Lawson Street, and CEO of Relationships Australia Canberra and Region, Mary Pekin, to discuss the work of RA nationally.  The Governor General was particularly interested in rural issues and the impact of extended drought on families and communities.   Her Excellency shared some of her experiences of growing up in a small rural community, and her concerns for the effects of unemployment on small towns and communities.   The important work of Relationships Australia’s drought programs in strengthening relationships and communities was a focus.  The opportunity for informal conversation and exchange of thinking about social and relationship issues was both enjoyed and appreciated.

Relationships Australia is privileged by Her Excellency’s support for and collaboration with our work and service to the community in building ‘positive and respectful relationships’ for all Australians.

Governor-General of Australia website: www.gg.gov.au