In the afternoon at Government House, the Governor of Tasmania, the Honourable Barbara Baker, and Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers hosted a light outdoor luncheon for Diabetes Australia — Tasmania to mark the commencement of the Pollie Pedal 2026 event.

The Governor serves as Patron of Diabetes Australia in Tasmania and is proud to support the organisation’s work to assist Tasmanians living with diabetes.

Today she welcomed riders taking part in Pollie Pedal and their support crews to the Government House Tennis Pavilion for lunch at the beginning of the 2026 event.

Pollie Pedal is a road cycling event raising funds for Diabetes Australia, which this year will see participants cycling 300 kilometres around Southern Tasmania.

The Governor wished all riders a safe journey as they set off on the three-day adventure, and commended them on raising funds which will support those living with diabetes, as well as invest in research and contribute to diabetes prevention and management programs.