In the afternoon at Government House, the Governor and Professor Chalmers hosted an afternoon tea for Australian Red Cross, Tasmania Division, to mark National Volunteer Week 2026.

In her community engagement role, the Governor is proud to serve as Patron of more than 130 organisations, including the Australian Red Cross - Tasmania.

Professor Chalmers also serves as Joint Patron of several organisations, and as the Vice-Patron of the Australian Red Cross Tasmanian Division.

As Patron and Vice-Patron, they were delighted to welcome Australian Red Cross volunteers to Government House for a special afternoon tea and awards ceremony to mark National Volunteer Week.

Speaking to guests, the Governor highlighted that nearly 700 of the more than 10,000 Australian Red Cross volunteers are in Tasmania – meaning the State has nearly 7 per cent of the organisation’s national volunteer base, even though Tasmania has only about 2 per cent of Australia’s population.

The Governor thanked all volunteers for their work on behalf of our community and presented awards to recognise dedicated volunteers for their service.