On 20 November 2025 Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania, was pleased to undertake an official visit to King Island.

Joined by her husband, Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers AO, Her Excellency travelled around the island to visit local sites and meet residents of all ages.

“School students often ask me what I enjoy most about being Governor, and I always say that my favourite part of my role is travelling around our State and meeting people on municipal visits,” Her Excellency said.

“Today we enjoyed a busy programme of activities on King Island, finding out about local history and culture, visiting businesses and facilities, and spending time with community groups.”

Her Excellency gained an insight into important industries on King Island, visiting the King Island Dairy, now returned to Australian family ownership, and the Dolphin Tungsten Mine near Grassy.

As Patron of the Country Women’s Association in Tasmania and RSL Tasmania, she was pleased to enjoy morning tea at the King Island RSL Sub-Branch clubrooms with refreshments provided by the CWA’s Pegarah Branch.

Her Excellency met with several young island residents, visiting the King Island Childcare and Early Learning Centre and the King Island District High School, where she enjoyed lunch catered by hospitality students.

She also visited both the King Island Gallery and the King Island Museum, learning more about local arts and culture and meeting with dedicated volunteers helping to preserve the island’s history and provide creative experiences for residents.

During the visit, Her Excellency also met with organisations supporting and caring for the King Island community, visiting the Phoenix House Complex, King Island Hospital and Health Centre, Ochre Medical Centre and Netherby Home.

She also viewed upgraded sporting facilities at the Currie Recreation Ground and toured the King Island Study Hub to find out how students can access higher education without needing to leave the island.

Her Excellency and Professor Chalmers ended their day with a civic reception at the King Island Hub, where they met with more residents and enjoyed celebrating with the community.  

“It has been wonderful to travel to beautiful King Island on my 28th municipal visit, and I thank everyone who made us feel so welcome,” Her Excellency said.

“I have enjoyed discovering more about local history and industry, visiting educational institutions and community organisations and finding out all about life on King Island.

“As Governor I am proud to support the arts and culture in Tasmania, and I was delighted to find both flourishing on the island during my visits to the King Island Gallery and King Island Museum.

“I am also focused on education and youth engagement, and so I was very pleased to spend time talking with young people and their educators at the Early Learning Centre and District High School.

“It was a very special day in a unique part of Tasmania, and I thank Deputy Mayor Vernon Philbey and the King Island Council for their kind hospitality in hosting us.”