HER Excellency, Governor of Victoria, professor Margaret Gardner AC paid a visit to the Harrow Bush Nursing Centre (HBNC) and the Harrow Discovery Centre (HDC) on Thursday afternoon along with her aide and entourage, as part of her tour of the West Wimmera Shire.

After the Governor was shown around the HBNC’s new facility, it was then a short walk across the road to the HDC.

 She was given a tour of the museum which includes artefacts and information on the Australia’s First XI cricket team who toured England in 1868.

HDC manager, Josie Sangster said, “The Governor remarked that she had heard of the story of the First XI of 1868 but had limited understanding of the intricacies of the story and was most impressed with the museum that Harrowvians are so very proud of”.

The Governor then joined other members of the community at the yarning circle campfire by the billabong behind the discovery centre where afternoon tea was served. 

The long running Harrow Sound and Light Show put on a brief skit including performers in colourful costumes.

The performance was under the control of Major Mitchell, though a bushranger appeared from the bush, stole some valuable items from the gathered guests, ate copious amounts of afternoon tea before being captured by the on-duty Trooper.

Luckily Doctor Potts was on hand in case someone was hurt, and the local undertaker is never too far away when gunshots are heard.

“The travelling party thoroughly enjoyed the performance and expressed that it would be good to come back one day to see the whole show,” Ms Sangster said.

Included in attendance was West Wimmera Shire Council (WWSC) mayor, Tim Meyer, WWSC deputy mayor, Tom Houlihan, WWSC councillor, Bruce Meyer, WWSC staff and Richard Kennedy, Ballarat, the great, great grandson of Yanggendyinanyuk (also known as Dick-a-Dick, a member of the Australia’s First XI cricket team).

To end the afternoon, gifts were exchanged, and the visiting party left to head back to Kaniva.