“I think you feel so much better about yourself and your life when you’ve used some of that finite resource that we’re all given, that is our time,” Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove said after looking at exhibits in the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre. 

“[If] you give your time, your genius and your energy to your community, there’s a special place in the hereafter for people who do that.” 

The Governor-General and his wife came to the region on Monday for a two-day visit with a plan to focus on acknowledging significant contributions made in the agriculture, early childhood, health and aged care sectors, as well as the work to preserve local Indigenous heritage.

“Down here in Bega is a great representation of the dairy industry, also there’s wonderful maritime-based history and activity here. Culturally it’s also a beautiful place,” Sir Peter said.  

“In the three years I’ve been Governor-General we’ve kept on the move and it’s about time we came here.

“My wife and I had a private ambition to come to this part of NSW for ages.” 

He felt privileged to have the opportunity to travel as part of his position, saying he got to do so more than most politicians as he did operate under the same restrictions. 

“I can roam Australia, and I like to do it in rural and regional Australia because this is the beating heart of the nation,” he said.   

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Kristy McBain was glad to have Sir Peter in the region.  

“It is the first Governor-General visit in 110 years so it’s very pleasing to have the Governor-General and his wife Lady Lynne Cosgrove in the Bega Valley,” she said.

“We are very much showcasing parts of the shire and highlighting some of our great volunteer and community groups.”

On Monday Sir Peter planned to visit the Tathra Wharf, Bega Cheese Heritage Centre, Imlay House and Bundian Way while he expected to spend the next day in Merimbula and Eden.