As governor-general, Deane received praise for his role in publicly mourning the victims of tragedies that took place during his term in office, including the Port Arthur massacre (1996), the Thredbo landslide (1997) the Swiss canyoning disaster (1999) and the Childers Palace Backpackers Hostel fire (2000). His speech in Switzerland titled "It is still winter at home" was especially well received. He also was asked to deliver the eulogies at the funerals of several prominent Australians, including Don Bradman, Nugget Coombs, Roma Mitchell, Mark Oliphant, and Mum Shirl.