So asked one curious student of NSW Governor Marie Bashir, stopping in at Griffith North Public School on Friday as part of her visit to the Riverina.

“Yes, I did. But not a very big one,” was the governor’s reply.

The Narrandera-raised governor spent much of her day spending time with children, meeting and greeting pupils at St Mary’s in the morning, attending an assembly in the afternoon at Griffith North Public, as well as opening a new drop-in centre at the PCYC.

Governor Bashir watched demonstrations of gymnastics and archery while at the PCYC, and said she was very impressed with the talent of the children.

“Griffith was always special in my life, so I welcomed the opportunity to come to visit,” she said.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful.”

The governor watched singing and dancing at the assembly at Griffith North Public school, as well as taking part in a community luncheon at Yoogali Catholic Club.

She spoke highly of the great community groups in Griffith.

“The number of volunteer organisations far outstrips the population,” she said.

“Everybody is so generous spirited here.”

In a day based heavily around youth, the governor said children were the best thing about Australia.

“Every one of them is special. They are the future of Australia,” she said.

“These children will be growing up with the sorts of ideals and environment that most people in this community enjoy. That makes them resilient and confident.”

Her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, was unable to join her on the visit due to illness.