Hosting the ASEAN Leaders’ Lunch and Retreat

Earlier this month, the Governor of Victoria hosted the ASEAN Leaders’ Lunch and Retreat as part of the official program for the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. 

The Special Summit, themed ‘A Partnership for the Future’, celebrated 50 years since Australia became ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner in 1974. 

Eleven world leaders converged at Government House Victoria for the Lunch and Retreat. Collectively, these leaders represent the interests of over 600 million people in the region. 

It was a very significant occasion for Australia, the first time such a Summit and such a large number of distinguished Heads of Government have been welcomed to the House at the one time.

Welcoming ASEAN Leaders to Government House

Government House Victoria has a long history of welcoming leaders from different nations through its doors.  

As part of their responsibility of international engagement, Governors of Victoria often receive visiting heads of state, heads of government and other senior international representatives. 

The Fountain Court was used as the location to welcome the ASEAN Leaders upon their arrival. Greeted by the Governor and the Prime Minister of Australia, each leader was formally welcomed before being invited to sign the Government House visitor book. 

Leaders also took the opportunity to meet two Koalas – Winnie and Hank –in the view of a large delegation of international media. 

Leaders' Lunch

Following their arrival, leaders were invited into the State Drawing Room for the Leaders’ Lunch. 

The Governor made welcome remarks, reflecting on the significance of the Summit to Australia, the history of Government House and its relationship to the State of Victoria and its people.  

The Leaders lunch was an opportunity to showcase the very best of Victorian produce, delivered by the hospitality team at Government House.  

At the conclusion of the lunch, leaders moved to the Western Lawn to capture the traditional ASEAN ‘family photo’. 

Leaders' Retreat

The State Ballroom at Government House was transformed into a space to host the ASEAN Leaders’ Retreat, offering the chance for leaders to engage in a private discussion before the conclusion of the Summit. 

In the days leading up to the event, staging, shrubbery and other equipment were built into the Ballroom for the Retreat. Interpretation stations were installed in the supper room bar.  

As the 2024 Chair of ASEAN, the Laos Chairmanship chose the theme, Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience. 

This theme reflected not only the mission of the ASEAN alliance, but the challenges of these times for the region. 

A Historic Event for Government House and the State of Victoria

Never in its history had Government House hosted an international event of this scale, with eleven world leaders on-site at the one time. 

In addition to the leaders, hundreds of other visitors were on-site to facilitate or participate in the event – including a large media contingent, members of the delegations, Victoria Police officers and staffers from the various stakeholder organisations.  

Victoria enjoys a strong relationships ASEAN member countries, and has four Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) offices located in Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. Victoria’s key goods exported to Southeast Asia include fruit and nuts, milk and dairy, wheat, meat and petroleum. 

Increasing demand is expected for services tied to innovation, healthcare and education. Victorian exporters are well placed to capitalise on opportunities in these sectors. 

With a program of academic, cultural, educational and business events running alongside the Leaders' meetings, hosting the Summit in Melbourne provided an opportunity to showcase the Victorian education, business, industry and cultural sectors, for which the state is renowned.  

The Lunch and Retreat was the result of months of meticulous planning and comprehensive security controls. The Office of the Governor worked closely with counterparts in the ASEAN Taskforce in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, as well as relevant security authorities, to ensure the event’s success. 

For more information about the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, visit the ASEAN-Australia website.