NextSense has announced the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, as its new Vice-Regal Patron.

NextSense is Australia’s second oldest not-for-profit organisation and has been providing services continuously since 1860. It delivers services and education to children and adults with hearing and vision loss, and their families, runs Australia’s largest cochlear implant program, carries out leading research, and provides professional education to those working in the field of sensory disability.

Ms Mostyn was sworn in as Australia’s 28th Governor-General on 1 July 2024. She has a history of exceptional community leadership and service, making a long-term contribution across numerous sectors, from business, sport and the arts to policy and the not-for-profit field.

Her Excellency follows General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd) as NextSense Vice-Regal Patron after his tenure as Governor-General concluded.

NextSense Board President Mr Davd Dinte welcomed the Governor General’s patronage.

“We are absolutely delighted that the Governor-General has agreed to the role of NextSense Patron,” Mr Dinte said. “She has a deep understanding of how organisations such as ours are embedded into the Australian community and play an important foundational role in helping people achieve all possibilities.

“We thank the Governor-General for supporting the work that we do and are very much looking forward to welcoming her to our new centre for innovation, to share more about the future possibilities for people with hearing and vision loss in Australia and across the world.

“The Governor-General’s comments at her swearing-in ceremony, reflecting on her optimism for Australia’s ability to build a future together, are very much aligned with our own excitement about the potential for collaboration and partnerships to solving the challenges we face as a nation. Her acknowledgement of the indispensable contribution Australians make to their communities every day very much mirrors our own experience of the incredible support we receive from so many who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others.”

“I am delighted to be the new Vice Regal Patron for NextSense,” the Governor General said.

“NextSense has been a national and international leader in the field of sensory disability for 165 years and is an example of the spirit of innovation that is so alive and well in Australia. The work of this sensory disability organisation embodies two key Australian attributes – care and respect.

Helping those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision to reach their personal potential and remove the barriers in their way is such important work and creates a better environment for all Australians. I look forward to engaging with NextSense as it continues to make a critical contribution to the lives of children, adults and families right across the country.”