The Australian Governor-General David Hurley and his wife Linda Hurley flew out of Samoa on Tuesday morning for the Cook Islands with the couple thanking the country for its hospitality.

The Governor-General and his wife are currently on a tour of six Pacific Island nations between 21–29 June 2023 with Samoa their first port of call before visiting Tonga, Kiribati and Tuvalu with the Cook Islands and Vanuatu their last two stops before returning home.

In a statement issued by the Australian High Commission in Apia on Tuesday, Mr. Hurley said they were touched by the hospitality and warmth of the Samoan people.

“Linda and I thank the people of Samoa for their incredible warmth and hospitality. We have been deeply touched by the kindness and generosity we have experienced during our time here," he said. "We are proud of the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation and shared values that unite Samoa and Australia, and we know that the partnership between our two nations will continue to flourish in the years to come.”

Their official visit program to Samoa concluded with a church service on Sunday at the invitation of Samoa's Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II and his Good Lady Masiofo Fa’amausili Leinafo Tuimaleali’ifano. The church service was hosted by the Head of State’s church in Falelatai, the Congregational Christian Church Samoa, with Reverend Rimoni Wright presiding over the service.

Following the church service, the Governor-General and Mrs. Hurley shared to’onai with the Head of State and Masiofo Fa’amausili.   This was an opportunity for the Governor-General and the Head of State to discuss the significance of their faith, as well as the power of collaboration in fostering a brighter future for both Samoa and Australia.

Last week, the Governor-General and Mrs. Hurley also met with Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa as well as members of her Cabinet in a lunch hosted by the Prime Minister at the Taumeasina Island Resort. Mr. Hurley congratulated the Prime Minister on Samoa’s 61 years of Independence. Prime Minister Fiame shared with the couple reflections following her trip to Australia in March this year, where she had the opportunity to visit Uluru and learn more about its sacred place in First Nations Australian cultures.

During their visit, the Governor-General and Mrs. Hurley also engaged with organisations that are supported by Australia, including the Samoa Family Health Association, a non-profit organisation providing family planning and sexual and reproductive health services; as well as SENESE, a non-government organisation that is committed to providing inclusive learning support for children and youth with disabilities.  

They also visited A’ana College and met with Samoan teachers who took part in the Australian-funded BRIDGE School Partnerships program. This program pairs Australian and Samoan teachers to exchange knowledge and build capability, helping ensure students can thrive.   

In a reception hosted at the Australian High Commissioner’s home last week, the Governor-General and Mrs. Hurley launched the latest season of the video series ‘Change Makers’ that celebrates extraordinary Samoans who are making meaningful contributions in their respective fields. At the reception, the Governor-General also highlighted Australia and Samoa's collective work in responding to a changing climate and recognised Samoa’s Australia Awards scholarship alumni who are ‘change makers’ in this critical field.