Government House Western Australia

New Consul General of Peru in Sydney, Minister José Alberto Ortiz Artola paid the Governor and Mrs Dawson a visit during his first official trip to Western Australia.

Having worked in Latin America, Europe, Asia and now Australia, Mr Ortiz Artola is excited about his new appointment and working to strengthen Peru’s bilateral relations with Australia - with a particular focus on economic cooperation and cultural exchange.

Providing support to all officers and personnel, retired officers and their families, as well as the families of deceased officers, the Western Australia Police Force Chaplains have a critical role.

Always on hand checking in with personnel during difficult and emergency situations, six Police Chaplains are ably supported by a network of Volunteer Police Chaplains across the State.

The Governor and Mrs Dawson welcomed the WA Police Chaplains to Government House to thank them for their dedication in supporting police personnel.

First established in the 1890’s, Western Australia’s Consular Corps promote co-operation and friendship between Western Australia and the countries they represent.

The Consular Corps have a long-standing relationship with Government House and last night the Governor and Mrs Dawson welcomed them to the Royal Room to thank them for their invaluable work.

The evening also included discussion about the upcoming Government House Christmas Open Days, which will coincide with the Consular Corps’ World of Food Festival – making it a festive culinary journey you won't want to miss!

Add the Christmas Open Days your calendar: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December from 3pm to 7pm - more details coming soon.

Loop Upcycling have come up with an ingenious way to take corporate textiles that were destined for landfill to give them a second life, while also providing people living with disadvantage with meaningful work opportunities.

Patrons of the Loop Foundation, the Governor and Mrs Dawson visited their Malaga-based premises to meet the team behind Australia’s first corporate upcycling company and to learn how they working with businesses to upcycle redundant workwear into new products, rebranding existing workwear to extend its life, and recycling items that can’t be repurposed.

Learn more about this social enterprise is pioneering a circular textile revolution: https://www.loop.org.au/

The Governor and Mrs Dawson met with David McAllister AC, Artistic Director of West Australian Ballet.

David has returned to his home state to take up the position of Artistic Director, following 20 years in the same role at the Australian Ballet.

The Call provided an opportunity for the Governor and Mrs Dawson, in their capacities as Joint Patrons, to receive an update on future projects for the Ballet Company, including an aspiration to tour more productions to regional parts of the State.

West Australian Ballet's next production is Romeo and Juliet which opens later this month.

Mrs Phylis Henning was the recipient of a remarkable 70-year Service Medal at a Government House Reception to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Red Cross.

Following welcome remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Advisory Board Chair Colonel Steve Joske (Rtd) gave an address highlighting the global presence of Red Cross, with Humanity at its core.

Australian Red Cross - Western Australia

The Governor has commended three Western Australians following the announcement by the Governor-General of Australia that 46 Australians have been recognised in the August 2024 Australian Bravery Decorations list.

Acting alone or as part of a group, a total of 41 Decorations have been awarded in recognition of Australians who put themselves in danger to help others in need.

🎖️ Sergeant Christopher Jacob is commended for brave conduct for his actions recovering a child's body from a river near Walpole, Western Australia on 17 October 2021.

🎖️ Miss Ebony Jones is commended for brave conduct for her actions during an incident at Hilbert, Western Australia on 5 January 2023.

🎖️ Mr Craig Reynolds is commended for brave conduct for his actions assisting a woman in Wellard, Western Australia on 7 June 2021.

The Governor looks forward to presenting the recipients with their Decorations at an Investiture Ceremony at Government House.

Read more: https://loom.ly/5AySCjE

Government House is lit up in red this evening to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Red Cross in Western Australia.

Red Cross WA leaders, volunteers and supporters attended Government House this evening for a Reception to mark the occasion.

In 1914, Governor and Lady Barron oversaw the first meetings of the Red Cross in WA, which took place in the Ballroom, as men and women on the home front were trained in first aid to support the war effort.

The new principal of Dianella Primary College Ms Kylie Jones was welcomed to Government House by the Governor and Mrs Dawson.

Accompanied by Deputy Principal Tracie Vince, Ms Jones learnt more of the 'Governor's Sparks of the Future’ program and the involvement of the school to date.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Governor and Mrs Dawson to hand over ten laptops that had been kindly donated to the school by Sam's Spares to assist students in the Governor’s Sparks of the Future program.

The student leadership team of the Wheatbelt & Beyond Youth Mentoring program were treated to an evening tour of Government House as part of their annual city camp.

Supporting regional, rural and remote young people, the program currently provides mentoring opportunities for students in years 7 through to 10 from seven partner high schools across the wheatbelt.

Read more: https://loom.ly/sDa9Rq4

Happy International Youth Day! This year's theme is: From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.

The Governor and Mrs Dawson have made it a priority to support young people, whether through early childhood development, education pathways, or fostering leadership. In particular, The Governor’s Sparks of the Future program has been designed to assist Year Six students undertake events and activities to help their development as young leaders, and to provide them with opportunities and experiences that may not otherwise be available to them.

Aligned with the Governor’s official program, the Sparks are provided with the opportunity to take part in official Vice Regal events. In 2024, participating students come from Dianella Primary College, Merriwa Primary School and Clarkson Primary School. Click the link to find out more: https://loom.ly/6wp-y9A

A Message from the Governor of Western Australia.

"Congratulations to Team Australia doing us all proud at the Paris Olympics, with a further 4 Gold Medals won on day 12, to make it our most successful Olympic campaign.

I’d like to pass on very special congratulations to our own West Australian athletes who’ve been winners in Paris.

Good luck for the rest of the Games, we’re with you all the way!"

- His Excellency, the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM

Proudly supporting our Olympic Team, Government House continues to be lit up in Green and Gold at night.

Come and enjoy the Noongar season of Djilba at Government House.

Also known as ‘first spring’ or ‘second rains’, it is a transitional time between August and September when the weather changes from cold and windy to be clearer and warmer.

Visit Government House during this season and you could also see the koorlbardi’s (magpies), djiti djiti’s (w***y wagtails) and donkarak (wattle birds) building and protecting their nests. You could also be lucky and see the first of our resident yerderup (ducks) that have emerged from their nests with their new families.

Djilba is also a time when wildflowers begin to explode across the land - as do the Gardens at Government House.

Experience Djilba at Government House, with the Gardens open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12 noon and 2pm.

Leaders and community members from across the denominations came together for the 2024 Governor’s Prayer Breakfast.

The annual event was launched in 1991, with Governor Major General Michael Jeffery taking the role of patron in 1993. Subsequent Governors have continued in the role also.

The breakfast brings together people from all walks of life, including Members of Parliament, emergency services, business leaders, community leaders, volunteer groups, and school students to pray for our State and nation.

See more from the event: https://loom.ly/t1p0c3k

Don’t miss this upcoming concert presented by the Government House Foundation of Western Australia! Sunday August 4th in the Ballroom at Government House. Click the link to read more about the event including a recent article featuring soprano Rachelle Durkin https://govhouse.wa.gov.au/2023/12/4-august-2024-exultation-with-cygnus-arioso-rachelle-durkin-and-pianist-mark-coughlan/

Ten inspirational women completed Yorga Djenna Bidi today, with a graduation ceremony held in the Government House Ballroom.

A leadership program for Aboriginal women by the Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute (WAALI), the Yorga Djenna Bidi program empowers women to influence, lead and generate change.

Learn more about graduation and the work of Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute: https://loom.ly/eeIa0e8

Aussie Aussie Aussie!

Government House WA will be lit up green and gold during the Olympics as we wish our Australian athletes the best of luck in France.




Australian Olympic Team

Thank you to Sam and the team at Sam's Spares for taking the time to give the Governor a tour today and for the support they’ve shown with the Governor’s Sparks of the Future program.

Sam’s Spares is a volunteer run, not for profit organisation that takes donated e-waste, repairs it and then passes it on to those that need it most. They’re saving it from landfill, and they’re doing it all free of charge!

The operation has proven so successful that it’s earnt Sam recognition as a 2024 WA Young Australian of the Year nominee and as a finalist for the Young Western Australian of the Year.

27 July 1953 saw the end of one of the most destructive conflicts of the modern era with the signing of an armistice to end the Korean War.

Australia was one of 21 members of the United Nations that sent military forces to help South Korea, in a conflict that had a death toll of around 3 million people, in just 3 years.

Of almost 18,000 Australian Navy, Army and Air Force personnel that served in Korea, 339 tragically lost their lives, over 1216 were wounded, and 29 became prisoners of war (POWs).

This morning the Governor commemorated those who served in the Korean War, leading the wreath laying ceremony held at the Korean War Memorial in Kings Park.

The Royal Australian Regiment Association

The Governor delivered an opening address at the 2024 Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference. His Excellency's speech highlighted the importance of trusted partnerships in our region, and the vital role all people can play to protect our Nation and our values.

The 2-day conference has been convened by the Perth USAsia Centre and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. The first panel discussion featured chiefs of navy from the three AUKUS countries, Admiral Lisa Franchetti (USA) Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN (Australia) and Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE ADC (UK).

Click to read the Governor's full speech: https://loom.ly/Ksl0798

There’s a new look coming to the Vice-Regal vehicle, after the Defence, Mechanical & Fabrication division of South Metropolitan TAFE today presented the Governor with new number plates featuring the Tudor Crown.

Following his accession in 2022, King Charles III chose the rounded Tudor Crown for his royal cypher (a change from the St Edward’s Crown used by Queen Elizabeth II), and the team at the Rockingham Campus were keen to use their skills to design and recreate it.

Lead by Senior Technical Officer Tom Stirling and CNC specialist John Humphreys, the crown was 3D modelled in amazing detail, before being programmed and machined in their advanced technology and specialised workshops.

Joined by the Hon. Hannah Mary Beazley MLA, the Governor took the opportunity to tour their state of the art facility, meeting with students and Executive staff. They also learnt more about how TAFE is supporting the defence industry, providing pathways and opportunities for students and existing workers into critical defence industry roles.

To learn more about the defence programs at South Metropolitan TAFE visit: https://loom.ly/o8Au7Pg

You can also chat to the South Metro TAFE team at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Expo at the Perth Convention Centre from 24-26 July. https://loom.ly/zuCYhaM

Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, AO DSC called on His Excellency the Governor.

Originally enlisting into the Royal Australian Infantry Corps in 1990, Lieutenant General Stuart is a highly experienced and distinguished officer. He assumed command of the Australian Army in July 2022.

Click the link to read more about Lieutenant General Stuart:https://www.army.gov.au/about-us/leadership/chief-army #:~:text=Lieutenant%20General%20Simon%20Stuart%2C%20AO%2C%20DSC

Joint Patrons of the Country Women's Association of WA, His Excellency the Governor and Mrs Darrilyn Dawson attended the Jurien Bay Sport Recreation Centre for a memorial service honouring the lives of Thelma Clausen and Coral Seinor.

Both women were founding members of the Jurien Bay CWA, and since 1971 they have worked tirelessly to raise money by cooking, sewing volunteering and giving back to the community.

"It was a privilege to honour the lives of Coral and Thelma. Their love and dedication to their families, the community and many people for over 60 years is a testament to their selfless service. May their legacy inspire others." - His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson Governor, Mrs Darrilyn Dawson.

CWA of WA
Photo: Wayne Rowley

The Governor and Mrs Dawson attended a luncheon celebrating the 100th birthday of the Greek Orthodox Church in Western Australia.

In 1924, foundation stones were laid to commence construction of the Church of St Constantine and Helene in Northridge. The Governor made an Address at the event, and participated in a ceremonial cake cutting. His Excellency also acknowledged the service of former Governor the Honourable Dr Ken Michael AC who was the State's first Governor with Greek heritage. Dr Michael's family were one of the original members of the Greek Orthodox parish in Perth.

Both the Hellenic Community and the Greek Archdiocese are celebrating their centenaries this year.

The Governor hosted Y WA (formerly YMCA WA) Youth Parliamentarians at Government House.

His Excellency was presented with 8 Bills for review, following their passage through the youth parliament sessions this week. For the first time, all government and opposition bills were passed.

The Governor gave an Address to the assembled group, reinforcing the opportunities which lie ahead, and the importance of upholding trust in democracy. The Y Youth Parliament WA

Hundreds of Legatees attended the annual Jingle in July Lunch for Legacy WA.

Joint Patrons of Legacy WA, the Governor and Mrs Dawson attended the event, and enjoyed meeting Legacy Princesses Ashleigh and Masie.

His Excellency took time to meet special 104-year-old guest Mrs Lilian Martin, and gave an Address highlighting the importance of honouring those who made sacrifices in service of our Nation.

For over 100 years, Legacy WA has provided relief from financial hardship, advice and referrals to support services such as counselling, assistance with children’s education and development, encouraging like-minded friendships, and advocating for entitlements and services. For more information go to https://loom.ly/SJjzX-E and Legacy WA.

Congratulations to Noongar Elder Kim Collard and Noongar man Alex Winwood, recognised for their achievements and contributions at the 2024 National NAIDOC Awards.

Named the 2024 Male Elder of the Year, Mr Collard is a successful businessman and community leader, who has spent much of his career and personal life developing and supporting Indigenous-owned and led companies, creating jobs for all West Australians, and giving back to WA through important and impactful philanthropic work.

Awarded the 2024 Sportsperson of the Year, Bunbury born international boxer Alex Winwood was recognised for his achievements inside and outside the ring.

A world class competitor, he has also become a role model for youth, sharing his culture and his learnings with local school students.

Congratulations to all award winners and finalists across the nation as we come together to celebrate NAIDOC Week, a time to recognise the history, culture, identity, contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

You can learn more about the award winners here - https://www.naidoc.org.au/awards/winner-profiles

This Sunday the 7th of July, Government House will be lit up in brilliant blue to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Country Women's Association (CWA) of WA.

To mark the milestone there are a range of events and activities across the State, go to https://tinyurl.com/2rdp9xd9 to learn more and get involved.

Since 1924, the CWA of WA has been a champion of country and city women of all ages, creeds, abilities and interests. CWA members enjoy friendship, fun, support, community service, welfare in times of need, educational opportunities and personal development.