I've never owned a pair of jeans, but I had a fantastic denim boiler-suit and it got a lot of wearing.

One of the most enjoyable things I do at Government House and when I travel around Australia is to talk with children. I tell them about our parliamentary democracy - and I often do that as I'm walking into an Executive Council meeting next door!

Again and again, I learn how much friendship enriches my life, bringing warmth, assurance, humour, inspiration, a sense of security. It depends on honesty, trust, loyalty. It's about giving. It's for sharing the good times, but also the tough times, hurt, grief, sadness.

Seek out a person whom you admire and respect for the support you need - that we all need from time to time.

The aboriginal women leaders of Papunya - the Papunya Artists - performed a dance for me: the Honey Ant dance. They'd never done it for anyone else. They honoured me with a ceremonial stick that signifies the story of the land.

Graduation day was a milestone in the most important journey of all - to the centre of oneself.

Yes, you can have it all, but not all at the same time. Set your own priorities, trust your gut and follow your heart.