Her Excellency arrived in the Wimmera at 2.30pm and made her first appearance at Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village where she explained to residents and dignitaries how the wet weather had been following her across the country.

``There was a squall of rain as I stepped off the plane; it's really helping my reputation as a rainmaker,'' Ms Bryce told the gathered crowd at the retirement village.

Ms Bryce was welcomed by dignitaries including Horsham Mayor Bernard Gross, vice-chairman of the Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village board of management Maurie Starick and president of the residents association Herbert Miller.

Cr Gross spoke about the chance meeting which led to Ms Bryce visiting the region and how proud he was to have a guest of her stature in the Wimmera.

Mr Starick thanked Ms Bryce for supporting the nation's elderly people.

Ms Bryce said she selected the retirement village as her only Horsham appointment because she believed the nation had a responsibility to respect and care for the elderly.

``An ageing population does present some challenges,'' Ms Bryce said.

``We have a responsibility to the shared members of humanity.''

The Governor-General also acknowledged the importance of the region on a national scale.

``I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn about this part of Australia and its impact on social, economic and political life,'' she said.

``The work this region has done in agriculture, in grains and sustainability is very important.

``It's always wonderful to be in rural Australia, the hospitality is always so generous.''

After the official ceremony Her Excellency spent time mingling with residents and guests at Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village.

The Governor-General did not give any interviews while visiting Horsham.

The Governor-General also officially opened the Birchip Cropping Group expo on Thursday.