In 2007, the house received the most significant refurbishment in 25 years under the To Furnish the Future project.

Five leading Australian artists and designers; Caroline Casey, Cecilia Heffer, Valerie Kirk, Liz Williamson and Charles Wilson were awarded commissions by the HHT. This collaboration marks the first stage of this exciting refurbishment program which seeks to restore Government House’s former role as a showcase for Australian art and design.

The HHT commissioned contemporary designed carpet, furniture, lace, upholstery and other furnishing textiles to complement the historic interiors of the two drawing rooms, with their 1879 surviving original painted ceiling decoration by Lyon, Cottier & Co. and rich collection of original Australian and European furniture, paintings and objects.