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APA visits Government House

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A group of five people are standing in a line. They are facing the camera and posing for a photo.
APA Visits Government House APA artists, community and family members with Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria

In honour of Arts Project Australia’s golden 50-year milestone, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, graciously hosted a spectacular morning tea at Government House on Thursday 1 August.

This momentous occasion was an incredible opportunity to shine a spotlight on the heart and soul of our organization, our talented artists. We were thrilled to celebrate the remarkable careers of Peter Ben, Monica Burns, and Valerio Ciccone, who have been with us for over 40 years, as well as Cathy Staughton, Terry Williams, Julian Martin, Fulli Andrinopoulos, Alan Constable, and Fiona Longhurst, who have dedicated more than 30 years to our artistic community.

A large crowd of people are seated inside Government House. They are facing the Governor who is delivering a speech from behind a lectern.
APA artists and community listening to Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria speak
A group of seven people are standing in a line. They are facing the camera and posing for a photo.
APA artists and family with with Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria
Two people are standing side-by-side smiling at the camera.
APA artists Georgia Szmerling and Samantha Ashdown at Government House
A group of three people are standing in a line. They are facing the camera and posing for a photo.
APA artist Peter Ben, Marie Ben with with Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria
Two people are smiling and facing the camera. They have their arms around each others shoulders.
APA President Virginia Lovett with APA Executive Director Liz Nowell
Two people are standing side-by-side smiling at the camera. They are holding hands.
APA artists Monica Lazzari and Chris Mason
A group of seven people are standing in a line. They are facing the camera and posing for a photo.
APA artists and staff at Government House
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It was also an opportunity to honour APA’s dedicated staff and the countless volunteers who have supported us through the years. Their guidance, expertise, and unwavering belief have been pivotal in shaping APA’s success and ensuring we are stronger than ever.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Governor and her team for their exceptional hospitality and making this event unforgettable.

A group of three people are standing in a line. They are facing the camera and posing for a photo.
CEO of Gateways and President of National Disability Services Rohan Braddy, with Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria and APA Operations Manager Sandy Fernee

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