The Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, has been announced as Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) Patron-in-Chief.
The patronage was confirmed by Her Excellency at a meeting with CGA President Ben Houston, CGA CEO Craig Phillips AM and Glasgow 2026 Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM held at Government House in Canberra yesterday.
The Governor-General follows General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd) into the role after his tenure as Governor-General concluded on 1 July 2024.
Her Excellency is an avid sports fan as in recent months has also accepted patronages of Paralympics Australia.
“The great news of Glasgow 2026 is now complemented by confirmation of Her Excellency becoming Patron-in-Chief of Commonwealth Games Australia – we welcome and applaud her enthusiasm,” Houston said.
“Our meeting yesterday highlighted Her Excellency’s commitment to many shared goals including increased participation in sport, reconciliation with Australia’s first peoples and a commitment to diversity in inclusion and provide the basis for a fantastic partnership.”
“The Governor-General’s patronage elevates the Commonwealth Sport Movement in Australia and supports our efforts to advocate for not only Australia’s athletes, but those across our region of Oceania.”
“I am delighted to become Patron-in-Chief of Commonwealth Games Australia,” the Governor-General said.
“The Games hold an important place in both our sporting landscape and our hearts – I think all Australians will have fond memories of cheering on our athletes! Just as importantly, as we have seen with the recent CHOGM meeting, the Commonwealth is an important part of our national identity and bonds us with like-minded nations from across the world. I’m excited to support the team and looking forward to Glasgow 2026!”
The Australian Commonwealth Games Team is Glasgow bound on 23 July – 2 August 2026, with the 10-sport program to welcome more than 2700 athletes from 74 nations.
The Commonwealth Games play a pivotal role in Australia’s high-performance pathway, with 46% of Australian athletes making their international debut at the Games and more than half of Commonwealth Games medallists going on to medal at subsequent international competitions.
Australia topped the medal tally at Birmingham 2022 with 180 medals, including 67 gold, 57 silver and 56 bronze, edging out England who claimed a total of 176 medals and 57 gold.
Her Excellency’s patronage of CGA will continue for the term of her role as Governor-General of Australia.
