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To grant Viceregal patronage...so To grant Viceregal patronage...so
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we had a few meetings where Mrs Hurley would meet, say, the President of the CEO of the Country Women's Association. we had a few meetings where Mrs Hurley would meet, say, the President of the CEO of the Country Women's Association.
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Or this or that. So that took time as well. Or this or that. So that took time as well.
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By the time you are getting the residence established, and as I said, this is the first time the residence had been By the time you are getting the residence established, and as I said, this is the first time the residence had been
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fully occupied for 20, 22 years. Sorry, 20, nearly 20 years. [Roslyn] Yes, Yes. [Brian Davies] Nearly 20 years. [Roslyn] And places need fully occupied for 20, 22 years. Sorry, 20, nearly 20 years. [Roslyn] Yes, Yes. [Brian Davies] Nearly 20 years. [Roslyn] And places need
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to be lived in.  to be lived in. 
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They need to be lived in, and there were some things that perhaps needed to be tweaked that weren't quite right. They need to be lived in, and there were some things that perhaps needed to be tweaked that weren't quite right.
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But, you know, we got them right, um, etcetera, and that applied to the accommodation, to their accommodation and the office But, you know, we got them right, um, etcetera, and that applied to the accommodation, to their accommodation and the office
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accommodation as well. So it was very much, um, an introductory period. accommodation as well. So it was very much, um, an introductory period.
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They now have everything settled the way they want it. Their, They now have everything settled the way they want it. Their,
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they've been off with a busy round of engagements in the intervening period. Ah, Mrs Hurley, I note, they've been off with a busy round of engagements in the intervening period. Ah, Mrs Hurley, I note,
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is now doing more solo, ah, engagements. Um... [Roslyn] Does she have a private secretary? [Brian Davies] No. [Roslyn] So the Governor's staff help her. [Brian Davies] The Governor's, yes. is now doing more solo, ah, engagements. Um... [Roslyn] Does she have a private secretary? [Brian Davies] No. [Roslyn] So the Governor's staff help her. [Brian Davies] The Governor's, yes.
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I, ah, Mrs Sinclair would have been the last one to have her own secretary. [Roslyn] That's right you mentioned, yes. [Brian Davies] Certainly Mrs Samuels I, ah, Mrs Sinclair would have been the last one to have her own secretary. [Roslyn] That's right you mentioned, yes. [Brian Davies] Certainly Mrs Samuels
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when she came in, because she wrote her own speeches. Um, she came in, she'd get the Governor's PA to type it up for her. Ah, when she came in, because she wrote her own speeches. Um, she came in, she'd get the Governor's PA to type it up for her. Ah,
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and she used to share the, ah, the Governor's office. So she came in, and she used to share the, ah, the Governor's office. So she came in,
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she might be in for an hour, hour and a half, she would sit on the chair next to the fireplace and work away. Um, she might be in for an hour, hour and a half, she would sit on the chair next to the fireplace and work away. Um,
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Sir Nicholas had his own office, ah, in the Chief Secretary's building Sir Nicholas had his own office, ah, in the Chief Secretary's building
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when we were over there for all that time. when we were over there for all that time.
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Oh, he, he, he was there, ah, quite a bit, quite a bit. Um, so he, he was, particularly if he knew that he was accompanying Oh, he, he, he was there, ah, quite a bit, quite a bit. Um, so he, he was, particularly if he knew that he was accompanying
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the Governor out to this function, the Governor out to this function,
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and then one of the staff would arrange some sandwiches for him, and then he'd be out in the afternoon with her. [Roslyn] It's a waiting job, and... [Brian Davies] Well, in, in and then one of the staff would arrange some sandwiches for him, and then he'd be out in the afternoon with her. [Roslyn] It's a waiting job, and... [Brian Davies] Well, in, in
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some ways, yes. And then of course they'd have to go home to get changed, which meant the crossing the bridge, some ways, yes. And then of course they'd have to go home to get changed, which meant the crossing the bridge,
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and the only saving grace was that we could use the bus lane. [Roslyn] Brian, we've just had a small break and you've been extraordinarily generous this afternoon. and the only saving grace was that we could use the bus lane. [Roslyn] Brian, we've just had a small break and you've been extraordinarily generous this afternoon.
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Thank you for all of this contribution and the resource that, that you've provided in these recollections. Perhaps, as we wind up, Thank you for all of this contribution and the resource that, that you've provided in these recollections. Perhaps, as we wind up,
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I'd like to ask you what you think the contribution to the life of New South Wales has been of the Governor's consorts? I'd like to ask you what you think the contribution to the life of New South Wales has been of the Governor's consorts?
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Well, I, I think, to use one word, it's immense. Well, I, I think, to use one word, it's immense.
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And its, it goes un-noted in many ways, because I suppose it's expected of the spouse of a male And its, it goes un-noted in many ways, because I suppose it's expected of the spouse of a male
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or female Governor to do their part. Ah, after all they are married, and it's, you know, most husbands or female Governor to do their part. Ah, after all they are married, and it's, you know, most husbands
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and wives are involved in things jointly. and wives are involved in things jointly.
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But there is a great deal of attention paid, um, sometimes depending on the type of function, But there is a great deal of attention paid, um, sometimes depending on the type of function,
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it might be an artificial situation, because you have so many people watching you, um, it might be an artificial situation, because you have so many people watching you, um,
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and some might even be wondering if you're going to make a mistake or something like that. and some might even be wondering if you're going to make a mistake or something like that.
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I'm not suggesting that's the bulk of the people, but, um, but when you're attending, ah, numerous evening functions, I'm not suggesting that's the bulk of the people, but, um, but when you're attending, ah, numerous evening functions,
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particularly, um, and with some of them, they might not be as well organised particularly, um, and with some of them, they might not be as well organised
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as others, or you might have a great number of speakers, um, as others, or you might have a great number of speakers, um,
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or the program is just lagging behind schedule, um, it can be tiring. or the program is just lagging behind schedule, um, it can be tiring.
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And to maintain a persona throughout all of this, um, without flinching, um, is quite an achievement. But I think And to maintain a persona throughout all of this, um, without flinching, um, is quite an achievement. But I think
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maintaining such a constant program in so many different areas of society, because you're talking about sporting, maintaining such a constant program in so many different areas of society, because you're talking about sporting,
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academic, cultural, artistic, now some of those will overlap, but, um, you know. academic, cultural, artistic, now some of those will overlap, but, um, you know.
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And then you are receiving members of the Consular Diplomatic Corps, And then you are receiving members of the Consular Diplomatic Corps,
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you're receiving office bearers, and people of various patronages. You're receiving guests who come from overseas, ah, who perhaps you're receiving office bearers, and people of various patronages. You're receiving guests who come from overseas, ah, who perhaps
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are part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's special visits program. are part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's special visits program.
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And then of course you have Royalty And then of course you have Royalty
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and Heads of State, Popes, um, et cetera, ah, who come, where the tempo is taken up another notch, and Heads of State, Popes, um, et cetera, ah, who come, where the tempo is taken up another notch,
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and there is a lot more formality, and ah, etc. So it, it's a changing time, and there is a lot more formality, and ah, etc. So it, it's a changing time,
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and particularly these days with so much emphasis on the human side of people, um, it takes a lot of tenacity, and particularly these days with so much emphasis on the human side of people, um, it takes a lot of tenacity,
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ah, and genuineness, because people know when you're acting and ah, and genuineness, because people know when you're acting and
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when you're sincere. So you can be going to something for the homeless, or asylum seekers, or, um, an artistic performance. when you're sincere. So you can be going to something for the homeless, or asylum seekers, or, um, an artistic performance.
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The range is, is indefinable, but, um, you have to be able to adapt, so its adaptability as well as sincerity. Um, interest The range is, is indefinable, but, um, you have to be able to adapt, so its adaptability as well as sincerity. Um, interest
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and it's constant, and you have to plan for all of these things. Um, when you go to a musical evening and it's constant, and you have to plan for all of these things. Um, when you go to a musical evening
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or a night at the opera. or a night at the opera.
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If you don't already know the story, you've got to spend time looking et cetera. If you're going to meet particular people, you need If you don't already know the story, you've got to spend time looking et cetera. If you're going to meet particular people, you need
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to have read their to have read their
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CV to know what their background is, otherwise conversation might be rather, rather stilted, and hesitant. [Roslyn] So there's a lot of homework as well as CV to know what their background is, otherwise conversation might be rather, rather stilted, and hesitant. [Roslyn] So there's a lot of homework as well as
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front of house. [Brian Davies] A lot of homework, and particularly, like, if the consort is a female, front of house. [Brian Davies] A lot of homework, and particularly, like, if the consort is a female,
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and the female enjoys doing some traditional things, like deciding what the menu will be, and the female enjoys doing some traditional things, like deciding what the menu will be,
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or what-have-you. They don't have to, but if they wish to take an involvement in that, that's another aspect. or what-have-you. They don't have to, but if they wish to take an involvement in that, that's another aspect.
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The Queen, for instance, will want to go and inspect the table herself, The Queen, for instance, will want to go and inspect the table herself,
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make sure that the floral arrangements are right, that the microphone's appropriately placed. Um, so people involved themselves make sure that the floral arrangements are right, that the microphone's appropriately placed. Um, so people involved themselves
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to varying degrees in different aspects of the program. to varying degrees in different aspects of the program.
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Obviously, for every event that a Governor and a consort attend there is a written brief. Um, Obviously, for every event that a Governor and a consort attend there is a written brief. Um,
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and at the very least, it gives you an indication of what type of clothing you should wear, whether and at the very least, it gives you an indication of what type of clothing you should wear, whether
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or not you're wearing, ah, decorations, who you're going to meet. There may be a CV of that person that you're going to meet. or not you're wearing, ah, decorations, who you're going to meet. There may be a CV of that person that you're going to meet.
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And how the running of the morning, afternoon, evening will go. So if you're going to be the full bottle, as such, And how the running of the morning, afternoon, evening will go. So if you're going to be the full bottle, as such,
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and to enable easy conversation, you need to be well read. The consort also needs to be appropriately dressed, and to enable easy conversation, you need to be well read. The consort also needs to be appropriately dressed,
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and if it's a female, and if it's a female,
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there is a great, ah, a greater degree of, um, intensity in that area, because whereas as I've said before, a man can get away with a there is a great, ah, a greater degree of, um, intensity in that area, because whereas as I've said before, a man can get away with a
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lounge suit or a dinner suit, a woman can't. lounge suit or a dinner suit, a woman can't.
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And she needs to be able to adapt to each different situation in an appropriate manner. So I think as well as making a And she needs to be able to adapt to each different situation in an appropriate manner. So I think as well as making a
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contribution by being part of the unit, which is known as the Vice-regal couple, and supporting the Governor, contribution by being part of the unit, which is known as the Vice-regal couple, and supporting the Governor,
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the person also has a role to play in their own right, depending on their particular interests the person also has a role to play in their own right, depending on their particular interests
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and pursuits. Ah, Mrs Samuels, ah, particularly being a former actress, um, had no problem in interrelating with other and pursuits. Ah, Mrs Samuels, ah, particularly being a former actress, um, had no problem in interrelating with other
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people. Ah, although it should be said that when you're an actress, um, you have lines to remember, and you are rehearsed, people. Ah, although it should be said that when you're an actress, um, you have lines to remember, and you are rehearsed,
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whereas here, the focus is all on you, whereas here, the focus is all on you,
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so there is a certain change. Um, I remember though, a particularly warming duty for Mrs Samuels was the opening of the so there is a certain change. Um, I remember though, a particularly warming duty for Mrs Samuels was the opening of the
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refurbished Independent Theatre at North Sydney where she had performed a number of times. Um, Sir Nicholas, heavily refurbished Independent Theatre at North Sydney where she had performed a number of times. Um, Sir Nicholas, heavily
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involved as a sports person, um, has attended many major functions in the sporting world, involved as a sports person, um, has attended many major functions in the sporting world,
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and has given a great deal of, ah, leadership and reassurance in that area, particularly, but also in many others. and has given a great deal of, ah, leadership and reassurance in that area, particularly, but also in many others.
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Mrs Hurley is very interested in the cultural side of things, and particularly singing and choral involvement, Mrs Hurley is very interested in the cultural side of things, and particularly singing and choral involvement,
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and, um, she has added that dimension to Government House, and has, in some ways, brought the place alive. Um, so I, and, um, she has added that dimension to Government House, and has, in some ways, brought the place alive. Um, so I,
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I think they, all consorts, have not only a supportive role, I think they, all consorts, have not only a supportive role,
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an individual role, ah, and a, a helping role in so many different areas, and it really depends on their personality, an individual role, ah, and a, a helping role in so many different areas, and it really depends on their personality,
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and, ah, their commitment to particular causes and, ah, their commitment to particular causes
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or areas of society, as to which one, or as to which one the greater emphasis is given. [Roslyn] So from that, do you suggest that the Governor could not do the or areas of society, as to which one, or as to which one the greater emphasis is given. [Roslyn] So from that, do you suggest that the Governor could not do the
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role without them? [Brian Davies] Oh, I mean to say, obviously that would be, er, a rather tall role without them? [Brian Davies] Oh, I mean to say, obviously that would be, er, a rather tall
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order to say that. Um, technically speaking, order to say that. Um, technically speaking,
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of course they could do it by themselves. Whether they could do it as well, is a different matter, of course they could do it by themselves. Whether they could do it as well, is a different matter,
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and I think for anyone in any relationship having someone at your side, ah, and I think for anyone in any relationship having someone at your side, ah,
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or who is sufficiently confident to go off on their own, or who is sufficiently confident to go off on their own,
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but coming together for a joint, ah, purpose, um, is fundamental, and that is the more enjoyable to most people, rather than but coming together for a joint, ah, purpose, um, is fundamental, and that is the more enjoyable to most people, rather than
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having to do it alone. [Roslyn] And coming to your role here, you, you spoke before we started today, the term, how long have you been here, having to do it alone. [Roslyn] And coming to your role here, you, you spoke before we started today, the term, how long have you been here,
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or were you here, not have. [Brian Davies] No. [laughter] [Roslyn] We're speaking in the present as though it's still happening, because we're here and talking about this. But you had a very long term here. or were you here, not have. [Brian Davies] No. [laughter] [Roslyn] We're speaking in the present as though it's still happening, because we're here and talking about this. But you had a very long term here.
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Um, I was here for a total period of 15 years. Ah, 12 Um, I was here for a total period of 15 years. Ah, 12
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and a half, initially approximately, um, from October '96 until July 2009, and a half, initially approximately, um, from October '96 until July 2009,
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and then I returned in October, ah, 2012 and I left in March 2015, so another 2 and then I returned in October, ah, 2012 and I left in March 2015, so another 2
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and a half years approximately. So 15 in total. and a half years approximately. So 15 in total.
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I think I'm the only one to have ever occupied the same position twice, I think I'm the only one to have ever occupied the same position twice,
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and I believe I'm the longest serving since about 1971, but and I believe I'm the longest serving since about 1971, but
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obviously, obviously,
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back in the early days, there were some, ah, there was at least one who stayed for quite a considerable amount of time. back in the early days, there were some, ah, there was at least one who stayed for quite a considerable amount of time.
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[Roslyn] How was it for you when you retired the first time? [Brian Davies] Ah, it was, ah, a bit of a wrench, um, because having lived this life, [Roslyn] How was it for you when you retired the first time? [Brian Davies] Ah, it was, ah, a bit of a wrench, um, because having lived this life,
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um, meeting Kings, Queens, Presidents, Popes, etc, um, meeting Kings, Queens, Presidents, Popes, etc,
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and working at the time for one of the most amazing people I've ever met, um, it was a bit of a wrench. and working at the time for one of the most amazing people I've ever met, um, it was a bit of a wrench.
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But for, for superannuation and other reasons, um, I decided it was time. Ah, but then when I was asked to come back, But for, for superannuation and other reasons, um, I decided it was time. Ah, but then when I was asked to come back,
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it was as though I'd never been away, and, ah, people were extremely generous in their comments, and what-have-you it was as though I'd never been away, and, ah, people were extremely generous in their comments, and what-have-you
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when I returned. Um, but when, and, I mean to say, um, Governor when I returned. Um, but when, and, I mean to say, um, Governor
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Bashir hosted a, a very nice, er, dinner and that for me and a farewell, Bashir hosted a, a very nice, er, dinner and that for me and a farewell,
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and, er, I had guests from all across the legal, and this world, and it was the Honourable this and the Honourable that, etc. and, er, I had guests from all across the legal, and this world, and it was the Honourable this and the Honourable that, etc.
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And, er... [Roslyn] Where was the dinner held? [Brian Davies] It was held in Government House in the in the dining room. And, er... [Roslyn] Where was the dinner held? [Brian Davies] It was held in Government House in the in the dining room.
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And then similarly, the Hurleys hosted a function for me as well. And then similarly, the Hurleys hosted a function for me as well.
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Um, and, er, when, and Mrs Hurley was extremely gracious, um, for informal functions, Um, and, er, when, and Mrs Hurley was extremely gracious, um, for informal functions,
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particularly, ah, she quite often sings a song when someone is leaving, or its a birthday, or what-have-you. particularly, ah, she quite often sings a song when someone is leaving, or its a birthday, or what-have-you.
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And she rang my partner and said, "I'd like to sing this song for Brian, And she rang my partner and said, "I'd like to sing this song for Brian,
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and what would you think was his favourite song?" So anyway, the message went back, and what would you think was his favourite song?" So anyway, the message went back,
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"I Did It My Way." "I Did It My Way."
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And I must admit I was overcome by the fact that she invested so much time in developing the words that would fit And I must admit I was overcome by the fact that she invested so much time in developing the words that would fit
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around the melody. And she sang, unaccompanied, um, to me, and I thanked her most sincerely, around the melody. And she sang, unaccompanied, um, to me, and I thanked her most sincerely,
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and she gave me the words that she had written. And then the staff were all lined up in the hallway, as my partner and she gave me the words that she had written. And then the staff were all lined up in the hallway, as my partner
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and I left, and the Vice-regal car was there to take us home. And I sat in the back and gave the royal wave [laughter], and I left, and the Vice-regal car was there to take us home. And I sat in the back and gave the royal wave [laughter],
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and Mrs Hurley, said, "You do that so well!" and Mrs Hurley, said, "You do that so well!"
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And I said, "I've had lots of practice." [laughter] [Roslyn] So there's a number of firsts, when you, two farewells by two different Governors as well... And I said, "I've had lots of practice." [laughter] [Roslyn] So there's a number of firsts, when you, two farewells by two different Governors as well...
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[Brian Davies] Oh yes. [Roslyn] your term. [Brian Davies] Yes, well, um, the Premier wrote to me as well, [Brian Davies] Oh yes. [Roslyn] your term. [Brian Davies] Yes, well, um, the Premier wrote to me as well,
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and said, "You're the first person to have ever been appointed to this," and he thanked me on behalf of the people of New South Wales, et cetera, and said, "You're the first person to have ever been appointed to this," and he thanked me on behalf of the people of New South Wales, et cetera,
17:49

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and spoke very kindly. Um, so yes, it was, er, and spoke very kindly. Um, so yes, it was, er,
17:54

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it's certainly unusual, because I remember when my mother went into a nursing home, I met this, um, fellow it's certainly unusual, because I remember when my mother went into a nursing home, I met this, um, fellow
18:04

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and he said something about retirement. I said, "Oh yes, I've retired." and he said something about retirement. I said, "Oh yes, I've retired."
18:09

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And he said, "Oh, I retired twice." You know, etc. Anyway, I looked him up when I got home, on the Internet, And he said, "Oh, I retired twice." You know, etc. Anyway, I looked him up when I got home, on the Internet,
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only to find that he was a retired Major General, and that he had led the troops here and there, and what-have-you. So, um, only to find that he was a retired Major General, and that he had led the troops here and there, and what-have-you. So, um,
18:28

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there is an opportunity for people to have two lives. there is an opportunity for people to have two lives.
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I was very fortunate to have, ah, the life that I had, I was very fortunate to have, ah, the life that I had,
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and to work for the people that I did, all of whom have served the State of New South Wales, and Australia, ah, and to work for the people that I did, all of whom have served the State of New South Wales, and Australia, ah,
18:49

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with great dignity, with great dignity,
18:51

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and with great, um, attention to the long-standing position of Governor, which is, ah, an amazing accolade for anyone whose and with great, um, attention to the long-standing position of Governor, which is, ah, an amazing accolade for anyone whose
19:13

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background leads to their appointment. [Roslyn] Indeed. And, Brian, the other aspect of your work that I'd like to recognise too. You have a CVO, initially, um, background leads to their appointment. [Roslyn] Indeed. And, Brian, the other aspect of your work that I'd like to recognise too. You have a CVO, initially, um,
19:30

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and LVO, ah, which you were awarded in December 2007, and LVO, ah, which you were awarded in December 2007,
19:36

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and then promotion to the CVO. Um, excuse me - just a small interruption. Your CVO, Brian? and then promotion to the CVO. Um, excuse me - just a small interruption. Your CVO, Brian?
19:46

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Well, I was, um, fortunate in, um, I think the 2007 New Year's Honours list, to receive Well, I was, um, fortunate in, um, I think the 2007 New Year's Honours list, to receive
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an LVO, ah, which is a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, which is something within the Queen's own, um, ah, arena. an LVO, ah, which is a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, which is something within the Queen's own, um, ah, arena.
20:12

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Um, so she is not advised by the government, Um, so she is not advised by the government,
20:15

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or anything, ah, the recommendation is made and she either approves or what-have-you. So, ah, the nomination was made by Governor or anything, ah, the recommendation is made and she either approves or what-have-you. So, ah, the nomination was made by Governor
20:24

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Bashir, and that was accepted. And, um, Governor Bashir presented me with the insignia at Government House, Bashir, and that was accepted. And, um, Governor Bashir presented me with the insignia at Government House,
20:35

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and, ah, my mother was still alive, and, er, so she came, and my daughters, and, ah, my partner, and, ah, my mother was still alive, and, er, so she came, and my daughters, and, ah, my partner,
20:44

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and, er, so we had a small ceremony at, ah, morning tea. Um, and, er, so we had a small ceremony at, ah, morning tea. Um,
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when I ret- [Roslyn] Sorry to interrupt, was it only you, or was it part of another investiture? [Brian Davies] Oh, no, no, no. This was a private, private investiture, and that. [Roslyn] That's extremely special. when I ret- [Roslyn] Sorry to interrupt, was it only you, or was it part of another investiture? [Brian Davies] Oh, no, no, no. This was a private, private investiture, and that. [Roslyn] That's extremely special.
21:02

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So, um, then when I came back, and it was nearing the end of Governor Bashir's final term, So, um, then when I came back, and it was nearing the end of Governor Bashir's final term,
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a further recommendation was made, um, to the Palace, ah, that I be confirmed as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. a further recommendation was made, um, to the Palace, ah, that I be confirmed as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
21:28

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And whereas the first one was based on my period as Official Secretary, ah, from '96 to 2008 And whereas the first one was based on my period as Official Secretary, ah, from '96 to 2008
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or 2007 at the time, or 2007 at the time,
21:44

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this one was based on my previous employment history. And they were all related to the Crown, in a way, because, um, this one was based on my previous employment history. And they were all related to the Crown, in a way, because, um,
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I was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Supreme Court for nine years, I was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Supreme Court for nine years,
22:04

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and then I, ah, established the, um, the Police Royal Commission, ah, which was the largest Royal Commission New South and then I, ah, established the, um, the Police Royal Commission, ah, which was the largest Royal Commission New South
22:17

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Wales has ever had. So it involved lots of staff, Wales has ever had. So it involved lots of staff,
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seven floors of a commercial building, etc, etc. seven floors of a commercial building, etc, etc.
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And, in addition to that, the fact that I had been asked to return to the position of Official Secretary, um, And, in addition to that, the fact that I had been asked to return to the position of Official Secretary, um,
22:35

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and the integration, the oversee sight of all the building works for the office and the residence at Government House, and the integration, the oversee sight of all the building works for the office and the residence at Government House,
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and the integration of what was formerly the office in one place, into Government House, and the integration of what was formerly the office in one place, into Government House,
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and the move out of Historic Houses Trust, and the move in of the office of the Governor. and the move out of Historic Houses Trust, and the move in of the office of the Governor.
23:06

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The Official Secretary then resumed authority over everything connected to Government House. So it was the Governor, The Official Secretary then resumed authority over everything connected to Government House. So it was the Governor,
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the Governor's program, Government House, the fabric of the building, the Governor's program, Government House, the fabric of the building,
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the furnishings of the building, etc., etc., whereas during this interregnum there'd been a split responsibility etc. the furnishings of the building, etc., etc., whereas during this interregnum there'd been a split responsibility etc.
23:30

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So I was, ah, awarded a CVO, which is the next level below a Knight, and so I said to my partner, "On this occasion, So I was, ah, awarded a CVO, which is the next level below a Knight, and so I said to my partner, "On this occasion,
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given that the Queen wasn't getting any younger, and I wasn't getting any younger, given that the Queen wasn't getting any younger, and I wasn't getting any younger,
23:48

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and the fact that she had been a constant in my life for all but three years, that I thought it deserved our going to England." and the fact that she had been a constant in my life for all but three years, that I thought it deserved our going to England."
24:00

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So I was offered, and I managed to, ah, So I was offered, and I managed to, ah,
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send an email to the Private Secretary whom I'd met earlier that year in Canberra, send an email to the Private Secretary whom I'd met earlier that year in Canberra,
24:14

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and, er, said that, told him my story, that I've met all these Royals, and never formally been presented the Queen, and, er, said that, told him my story, that I've met all these Royals, and never formally been presented the Queen,
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er, immediately, in the next day, I received a, an email from the Secretary, saying, "The following are available." er, immediately, in the next day, I received a, an email from the Secretary, saying, "The following are available."
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And there were, I think, two at And there were, I think, two at
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Buckingham Palace, one Windsor, one at Holyrood House, and they were virtually in the space of the next few months. Buckingham Palace, one Windsor, one at Holyrood House, and they were virtually in the space of the next few months.
24:45

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And so I said to my partner, "Well, you And so I said to my partner, "Well, you
24:49

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and I have been to Buckingham Palace a few times. Um, I've been to Holyrood House, and I have been to Buckingham Palace a few times. Um, I've been to Holyrood House,
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and we've been to Windsor, but why don't we go to Windsor." So we went to Windsor and, um, we were dressed in tails, and we've been to Windsor, but why don't we go to Windsor." So we went to Windsor and, um, we were dressed in tails,
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and received right royally, as you see on, um, the television and received right royally, as you see on, um, the television
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when you see the long walk going all the way up to Windsor Castle, um, through Great Windsor Park. when you see the long walk going all the way up to Windsor Castle, um, through Great Windsor Park.
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We drove up the whole of that, were given parking right next to the main entrance. We drove up the whole of that, were given parking right next to the main entrance.
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My partner was seated in the second row on the aisle looking at the Queen My partner was seated in the second row on the aisle looking at the Queen
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the whole time. He likes to convince people that the Queen acknowledged him on the way out. Um, ah, the ceremony went on. the whole time. He likes to convince people that the Queen acknowledged him on the way out. Um, ah, the ceremony went on.
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I was number 11 of 67 recipients. It's in order of seniority, so I was after the Knights I was number 11 of 67 recipients. It's in order of seniority, so I was after the Knights
25:50

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and Dames. The Queen came in, and the Queen is very tiny. And she had two Gurkhas quickly marching beside her, and Dames. The Queen came in, and the Queen is very tiny. And she had two Gurkhas quickly marching beside her,
26:00

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and, er, we had the national anthem. She put her bag on the throne, she stood for 50 minutes, didn't miss a beat. Ah, my and, er, we had the national anthem. She put her bag on the throne, she stood for 50 minutes, didn't miss a beat. Ah, my
26:13

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partner says that she spoke to me the longest. Now whether that was because I was from the other side of the world, partner says that she spoke to me the longest. Now whether that was because I was from the other side of the world,
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and all the others were locals, I don't know, but she was charming. And she, um, first of all, and all the others were locals, I don't know, but she was charming. And she, um, first of all,
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she thanked me, she thanked me,
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and, er, et cetera. And, um, she asked me about the number of Governors I'd spok-, I'd, um, been involved with, and I mentioned that we'd had and, er, et cetera. And, um, she asked me about the number of Governors I'd spok-, I'd, um, been involved with, and I mentioned that we'd had
26:41

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the great honour of welcoming many of her family over the years to Government House, and she said, "Quite." the great honour of welcoming many of her family over the years to Government House, and she said, "Quite."
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And then, ah, you were gone. And, er, so And then, ah, you were gone. And, er, so
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when she puts the insignia over your head, um, because it was a, it's a neck, neck decoration, um, you go outside when she puts the insignia over your head, um, because it was a, it's a neck, neck decoration, um, you go outside
27:03

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and it's immediately taken off and reboxed, and you never wear that long ribbon again, you wear a short ribbon. Anyway, and it's immediately taken off and reboxed, and you never wear that long ribbon again, you wear a short ribbon. Anyway,
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it was the, I would have to say, I've never been overawed by anyone, strangely enough, it was the, I would have to say, I've never been overawed by anyone, strangely enough,
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but the Queen is a different matter. It was an amazing experience, and to be in the Waterloo Chamber with all these priceless artworks but the Queen is a different matter. It was an amazing experience, and to be in the Waterloo Chamber with all these priceless artworks
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all down, and the whole ceremony, ah, the Countess of Wessex 's orchestra playing throughout the whole thing, all down, and the whole ceremony, ah, the Countess of Wessex 's orchestra playing throughout the whole thing,
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and, ah, the precision. We were very fortunate to be in one of the very few invited for drinks afterwards. Um... [Roslyn] It's not and, ah, the precision. We were very fortunate to be in one of the very few invited for drinks afterwards. Um... [Roslyn] It's not
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normally the case? [Brian Davies] No, no, they don't have drinks or refreshments of any sort. Um, whereas in, ah, Sydney normally the case? [Brian Davies] No, no, they don't have drinks or refreshments of any sort. Um, whereas in, ah, Sydney
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we always have a reception afterwards, etc. No, we always have a reception afterwards, etc. No,
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they don't have anything there, but I was fortunate to be invited for drinks. they don't have anything there, but I was fortunate to be invited for drinks.
28:04

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And then, er, arranged that I would have my photos taken without queueing, and, ah, and then given a tour. So we did very well. And then, er, arranged that I would have my photos taken without queueing, and, ah, and then given a tour. So we did very well.
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It was a remarkable, remarkable experience, It was a remarkable, remarkable experience,
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and, ah, I'm most grateful to Governor Bashir for her nomination. [Roslyn] Well I think that's a very fitting moment to conclude this interview, unless there's and, ah, I'm most grateful to Governor Bashir for her nomination. [Roslyn] Well I think that's a very fitting moment to conclude this interview, unless there's
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anything further that you wanted to put on the tape. [Brian Davies] No, no, it's, ah, it's been my great pleasure to, ah, add my thoughts. Um, anything further that you wanted to put on the tape. [Brian Davies] No, no, it's, ah, it's been my great pleasure to, ah, add my thoughts. Um,
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and I wish the publication well. I'm sure it will be, ah, of great interest to many people, and I wish the publication well. I'm sure it will be, ah, of great interest to many people,
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and obviously a, a great initiative of, ah, Mrs Hurley. [Roslyn] Thank you very much indeed, Brian, for your contribution. and obviously a, a great initiative of, ah, Mrs Hurley. [Roslyn] Thank you very much indeed, Brian, for your contribution.