Michael Jeffery facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Major General the Honourable Michael Jeffery AC, CVO, MC
24th Governor-General of Australia
In office 11 August 2003 – 5 September 2008
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Prime Minister	John Howard Kevin Rudd
Preceded by	Peter Hollingworth
Succeeded by	Dame Quentin Bryce
28th Governor of Western Australia
In office 1 November 1993 – 17 August 2000
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Premier	Richard Court
Preceded by	Sir Francis Burt
Succeeded by	John Sanderson
Personal details
Born	Philip Michael Jeffery (1937-12-12)12 December 1937 Wiluna, Western Australia
Died	18 December 2020(2020-12-18) (aged 83)
Spouse	Marlena Kerr
Profession	Military officer
Military service
Allegiance	Australia
Branch/service	Australian Army
Years of service	1955–1993
Rank	Major General
Commands	Deputy Chief of the General Staff (1990) 1st Division (1986–88) 1st Brigade (1983–84) Special Air Service Regiment (1976–77) 2nd Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1974–75)
Battles/wars	Malayan Emergency Vietnam War
Awards	Companion of the Order of Australia Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Military Cross

Philip Michael Jeffery (born 12 December 1937, died 18 December 2020) was an important leader in Australia. He was the 24th Governor-General of Australia from 2003 to 2008. The Governor-General is like the Queen's representative in Australia. Before this big role, he was the Governor of Western Australia. He also had a long career in the Australian Army.

Early Life and Education

Michael Jeffery was born in 1937 in Wiluna, Western Australia. He went to school at Cannington and East Victoria Park State Schools. He also attended Kent Street High School. When he was 16, he left Perth to join the Royal Military College at Duntroon. This is where future army leaders are trained.

A Career in the Army

After finishing his studies in 1958, Michael Jeffery began his military career.

• In 1962, he served in Malaya with the Royal Australian Regiment.
• In 1965, he joined the British Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) for a tour in Borneo. The SASR is a special forces unit.
• He later returned to Australia to lead the SASR in Perth.
• From 1966 to 1969, he worked in Papua New Guinea. While there, he married Marlena Kerr from Sydney.
• In 1972, he was chosen to study at the British Army Staff College in Camberley.
• He then helped lead the 2nd Battalion in Wewak, Papua New Guinea.
• In 1976, he became the commander of the SASR. He was also given an award called the "Member of the Order of Australia."
• In 1985, he attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in London.

Leading the Army

Michael Jeffery continued to rise through the ranks in the army.

• From 1986, he commanded the Army's 1st Division.
• In 1988, he was recognized for his great service to the Army. He became an "Officer of the Order of Australia."
• In 1989, he became the Assistant Chief of the General Staff.
• In 1990, he became the Chief of the General Staff. This meant he was responsible for the entire Army.
• In 1991, he was put in charge of Army equipment and building projects.

Governor of Western Australia

On 1 November 1993, Michael Jeffery became the 27th Governor of Western Australia. He served in this important role until 2000. During this time, he also became a "Companion of the Order of Australia," which is a very high honor.

Governor-General of Australia

From 2003 to 2008, Michael Jeffery served as the 24th Governor-General of Australia. He was chosen for this role by Prime Minister John Howard. As Governor-General, he represented the Queen in Australia and carried out many important duties.

Personal Life and Interests

General Jeffery was interested in young people, education, the environment, and national security. He and his wife Marlena had three sons and a daughter. They also had seven grandchildren. His hobbies included listening to music, reading, playing golf, and fishing.

Michael Jeffery passed away on 18 December 2020, shortly after his 83rd birthday.

See also

In Spanish: Michael Jeffery para niños