Flamingos, musicians, India and regional Australia

Government House staff were thrilled to welcome the return of the School Music Program today, The Governor and Ms Annus started the School Music and Arts program to enable primary school students to experience a live musical performance in the Government House setting to encourage a love of the arts.

Flamingo Strings perform for the students.

Students from Hampton Park Primary, a co-educational public school established in 1955 and named after Governor John Stephen Hampton Esq (1862 – 1868), were delighted when they entered the foyer. Exclaiming over the chandelier and staircase, they were distractedly ushered into the Green Room where musicians from Flamingo Strings awaited them.

Flamingo Strings showcase their instruments.

After a delightful string rendition of the Super Mario theme song, the Governor had a few words to say to the upcoming musicians;

“Music can provide a wonderful solace – it can help you to express the feelings you have trapped deep inside. It can inspire you, challenge you and – if you are part of a band or orchestra – can make you feel part of something very special.”

Students get up and dance to the Flamingo Strings performance.

Normally a quartet, Flamingo Strings performed as a duet, made up of Alix Hamilton on viola and violin and Anna Sarcich on cello. In between performances, the duo discussed with the students the various elements that make up a composition, showcasing just how dynamics – such as tempo and volume – can change the sound and feel of a piece.

Students gather in the Governor’s study.

After the performance was over, the students were taken on a tour of Government House where they learned about the history of the building and the role of the Governor.

For many, the artwork in the Red Room was a highlight of the tour.

Calling out to the regions

The Governor logs on to Zoom.

While the students enjoyed their tour of the House, the Governor moved to his study to take a call from the Regional Development Council. The Council consists of the chairs of the nine Regional Development Commissions and is a key advisory body to the Western Australian Government on regional development issues.

Investing in relations with India

A partnership with India has been a hot topic as of late with India Connect, a collaboration between the WA State Government and the Indian Government, the signing of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement and discussions with His Excellency Mr Manpreet Vohra, High Commissioner for India. In continuation of this, the Governor welcomed the newly appointed Investment and Trade Commissioner for the India-Gulf region, Ms Nashid Chowdhury, and Simone Spencer of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation to Government House..

With a youthful population, diversified economy and growth trajectory, there a is significant opportunity for mutually beneficial business between the two countries. Whilst in 2020 India was Australia’s seventh largest trading partner, the goal is to lift that to position number three by 2035.

How to Please a Woman

The Governor was invited to attend the premier of “How to Please a Woman”, written and directed by Renée Webster. Filmed right here in Perth, the story follows Sally Phillips’ (of Bridget Jones’s Diary fame) character as she learns how to ask for what she wants – while setting up an all-male ‘with benefits’ cleaning service.

“It is honestly one of the funniest movies I’ve watched this year. A must see.”

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