As part of her regional tour, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce will call in to Bathurst on Tuesday, May 14. Bathurst mayor Monica Morse made the announcement late on Friday, saying the visit would coincide with National Families Week.

“It was on Friday afternoon at about 5pm that we got confirmation of her visit, but it was a very nice surprise. I am delighted to welcome the Governor-General to Bathurst and look forward to the opportunity for the people of Bathurst to meet Her Excellency,” Cr Morse said.

The Bathurst mayor said it was a major coup for the city to attract the attention of the vice-regal representative.

“The Governor-General has expressed her desire to visit regional Australia. Particularly, she hopes to see the nursing facilities at Charles Sturt University.”

There will be plenty of photo opportunities and time to meet the Governor-General, who was appointed to represent the Queen in the Commonwealth of Australia in 2008.

The final itinerary of her visit is still being finalised, but it is expected Ms Bryce will also visit Carenne School and Mount Panorama.

A civic reception will be held at the iconic circuit.