The itinerary for the visit of Prince Charles has been released. It includes some functions associated with the Prince’s various charitable activities which are rarely reported but have been remarkably effective. The Prince will of course be provided with such security as the authorities deem appropriate. This is considered normal and proper practice in relation to any state visitor or diplomat. Of the various security arrangements made for so many visitors and resident diplomats, the only ones reported and highlighted are of course those of members of the Royal Family.
This of course reflects the bias and the agendas of those involved. Security services are already there, paid for ,on tap, and then allocated as the authorities decide.
As for accommodation the Prince stays at Government House-of course this is no longer available because of the curious decision of Bob Carr to eject the Governor from Government House. This has, incidentally, vastly increased the costs of providing security to the Governor, and means nobody from the country can ever be Governor. Bob Carr cannot bring himself to admit the foolish error which one of his successors will correct.
The itinerary is:-
Monday, 28 February 2005
Late Evening
Arrive Perth International Airport
Tuesday, 1 March 2005
Morning
Visit the Royal Perth Hospital Burns Unit
The Prince of Wales will be briefed on burns treatments and new spray-on skin technology. He will meet informally with medical and nursing staff, patients, and representatives from community and charitable organisations, volunteers and individuals involved in the aftermath of the Bali bombings. The Prince of Wales will also meet WA medical teams involved in the response to Tsunami disaster
Afternoon
Visit and inspect operations of Lobster Australia (Fremantle)
Lobster Australia was instrumental in the Western Rock Lobster Fishery become the first fishery in the world to be certified as meeting the standard set by the Marine Stewardship Council’s principles and criteria for sustainable fishing.
Receive briefing from the WA Dept of Fisheries and the Australian Customs Service on the fishery industry and the sustainable management and protection of the WA fisheries
Visit to the Western Australian Maritime Museum
Visit to the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Plant-based Management of Dryland Salinity (University of Western Australia) The Prince of Wales will be briefed on and shown displays of aspects of work currently undertaken by CRC Salinity. CRC Salinity is a national research organisation helping to sustain rural communities through the development of new plants and land uses that lessen the economic, environmental and social impacts of dryland salinity
Visit to Subiaco Redevelopment Project including visit to the Sustainable Demonstration Home
Attend reception hosted by the Governor and Mrs Sanderson
Among the guests will be members of the WA Welsh Community celebrating St David’s Day
Wednesday, 2 March 2005
Morning
Depart Perth for Alice Springs
Afternoon
Arrive Alice Springs
Welcome to Country and Dance performed by members of the Ntaria Community
Visit to the Royal Flying Doctors Service HQ
Visit Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT)
The Prince of Wales will be shown exhibits and demonstrations highlighting CAT’s role in using appropriate technology to improve sustainable livelihoods in remote communities. CAT is Australia’s national indigenous science and technology organisation. The Prince of Wales will also learn about the Desert Knowledge Australia programme.
Visit to Desert Park
The Prince of Wales will view aviaries, a bush foods and indigenous weapons display, and the birds of prey demonstration
View indigenous art exhibition
Attend reception hosted by the NT Administrator and Ms Nerys Evans
Depart Alice Springs for Melbourne
Late Evening
Arrive Melbourne
Thursday 3 March 2005
Afternoon
Walk through Farmers’ Market along River Terrace accompanied by the Lord Mayor, meeting various stall holders
Attend business seminar on corporate responsibility and launch ‘Melbourne Cares’, Federation Square
Melbourne Cares provides a mechanism for companies to work together and combine resources to tackle social and economic disadvantage by providing a range of flexible volunteering opportunities for employees.
Attend reception hosted by the Deputy Premier for seminar delegates Indigenous Galleries, Federation Square
Visit Coburg North Primary School
The Prince of Wales will meet staff and students involved and participating in ‘Go for your life’ activities accompanied by the Premier of Victoria.
‘Go for your life’ is an initiative of the Victorian Government which aims to build a healthier, more active Victoria.
Visit State Netball Hockey Centre
The Prince of Wales will meet with athletes, coaches, ‘Go for your life’ Ambassadors, sports groups, and view sporting activities.
Visit Geelong Grammar School and attend 150th anniversary dinner -Sesquicentenary Celebration
Friday 4 March 2005
Morning
Depart Melbourne for Sydney
Arrive Sydney
Afternoon
Attend reception hosted by the Governor and Sir Nicholas Sheahdie
Tour Breakfast Point residential development
The Prince of Wales will view the redevelopment of the former AGL gasworks site, which aims to create a sustainable residential community. The Prince of Wales will also meet with property professionals and students.
Visit to the Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Depart Sydney for Canberra
Arrive Canberra, Fairbairn
Ceremonial Arrival
Attend dinner hosted by the Governor General and Her Excellency Mrs Marlena Jeffery
Saturday 5 March 2005
Morning
Meeting with the Prime Minister, The Lodge
Visit to Australian War Memorial
The Prince of Wales will lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Hall of Memory. The Prince of Wales will later meet with a representative group of veterans.
Afternoon
Visit Lyndfield Park (property near Gunning)
The Prince of Wales will tour the property and learn of the farm practices and land management techniques that helped transform the property from a barren dustbowl following the 1982/83 drought. The Prince of Wales will also meet with people with a practical involvement with land management focused on ecological and economic sustainability.
Depart Fairbairn for Dunedin, NZ
……………………..
The usual column will be sent out over the weekend.
Until next time,
David Flint