Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC

Since coming to office in September 2008, Australia's Governor-General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC has taken an active role in highlighting Australia's support for the work of United Nations' agencies such as UNHCR.

Our Patron, Her Excellency the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce AC joined us as our Patron early in 2009.

Quentin Bryce's 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.  She has enjoyed a rich and distinguished career as an academic, lawyer, community and human rights advocate, senior public officer, university college principal, and vice-regal representative in Queensland prior to her appointment in 2008 as Australia's first female Governor-General.

On the occasion of our 10^th anniversary, Ms Bryce spoke highly of UNHCR's humanitarian work and praised the support Australian donors have shown for those under UNHCR's care.

"The work of Australia for UNHCR ensures that the daily and devastating hardships endured by refugees are more visible in our community and that, through a growing awareness of the issues, Australians are able to give their support to programs and initiatives for positive change."