Administrator Farewell 29 January
Outgoing Administrator of the Northern Territory, His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM, will formally depart Government House on Friday, 30 January 2026.
His Honour and Ms Ruth Jones say they will remember their time at Government House as a profound honour.
"It has been a privilege and a joy to represent Territorians, to serve the Crown, to perform my statutory and defence responsibilities, and to act as patron - or co-patron - to over sixty organisations.," His Honour said.
During their three-year term, His Honour and Ms Jones undertook more than 1,500 engagements across the Northern Territory, maintained active relationships with over 60 patronages, and provided strong support to the Defence and veterans' community. In addition to the two existing honorary military roles held by the office, His Honour became the first Administrator appointed Honorary Air Commodore of Number 17 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, and the first Administrator appointed Northern Territory Patron of the national veterans' support organisation Soldier On.
"What has been most special are the countless moments across Territory communities - from the very large gatherings to the very small, quiet encounters - where humanity, kindness and connection were always present," his Honour said.
"One of the great gifts of this Territory is its extraordinary cultural diversity, harmony, and inclusivity - across cultures, faiths, and traditions."
His Honour completed more than 40 regional and remote community visits, including to some of the most isolated communities in the Territory, to present Australian Honours and Awards - ensuring Territorians were recognised in their hometowns and celebrated among their own communities.
As residents of Government House, His Honour and Ms Jones welcomed more than 10,000 visitors through the gates for a wide range of events, including popular free public programs such as Music on the Terrace and Jazz at the House, which reflected His Honour's passion for music and the arts. They hosted more than 200 events in support of the Northern Territory, from public open days to cultural performances, and were enthusiastic supporters of the arts through their attendance at the Darwin Festival, Darwin Symphony Orchestra, and numerous galleries, exhibitions, award ceremonies and community events.
They also celebrated the Territory's diversity, participated in community walks and fun runs, attended many multicultural events, and actively supported youth organisations - His Honour as Chief Scout of the Northern Territory and Ms Jones as proud Patron of Girl Guides NT. As Deputy Prior of the Order of St John in the Northern Territory, His Honour, together with Ms Jones in her role as Patron of St John Ambulance Northern Territory, has attended numerous events supporting St John volunteers and frontline personnel, acknowledging their vital contribution to the health and safety of Territorians.
His Honour and Ms Jones will remain in the Northern Territory.
A ceremonial farewell will commence at 5.30 pm at Government House. The event will feature an Honour Guard, the Australian Army Band, St John Ambulance Australia NT Cadets, Scouts NT and Girl Guides NT. During the ceremony, the Australian National Flag and the Northern Territory Flag will be lowered and presented to His Honour.
The Vice Regal vehicle is expected to depart Government House at 6.00 pm. It will be led past prominent buildings in the CBD and neighbouring State Square, beginning with the Darwin City Council Chambers, the Indonesian Consulate, around past the Northern Territory Local Court, NT House, the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly and lastly, past Government House and the Offices of the Administrator.
Members of the public can view the ceremonial farewell and bid their final farewell to His Honour and Ms Jones from outside on the front lawns of Government House as they officially complete their term in office.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors and not be visible to the public.
The Honourable Chief Justice Michael Grant AO, Acting Administrator of the Northern Territory, will assume administration of the Northern Territory Government between 31 January and 27 February 2026.
GPO Box 497, Darwin NT 0801
https://nt.gov.au/
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