A farewell message from the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia

It is with genuine pride that I reflect on my term as Governor of this vast and beautiful State.

In the four years since I was appointed, I have seen our people at their best by recognising excellence in the arts, business, academia and civic service and rewarded individual bravery and courage. I have also seen them during times of hardship, including natural disasters such as Cyclone Seroja.

During my term, our State was tested as never before in facing the global pandemic.  I am immensely proud of the way Western Australians faced this crisis.  We have emerged stronger, closer and more connected than ever.  I encourage all of you to retain this sense of connectedness as we continue to emerge from the pandemic, and go forth to capitalise on our immense potential.

With a mandate to advocate for the State, it has been satisfying to project the fact that we are the world’s greatest mineral province.  But we are so much more.  We have a core of brilliant, innovative technology companies with leading-edge capabilities.  Great health and biosciences research and development.  Scientifically driven agricultural industry.  Mature participation in space capabilities.

COVID-19 challenged our arts community in particular and with programmes such as ‘Restart the Arts’, it has been possible to join with others determined that our cultural core should survive and prosper.

We have sought to engage the public intensively with the House and Grounds.  The House is not a museum, it is a working House, and one of the State’s best assets.  It has been wonderful to see young folk enjoying regular music education opportunities.  To see folk engaged with recognition of acts of bravery, community service, brilliant police work, superb research activity, State administration and culture has been a privilege.  Some things can equal, but nothing can surpass great fundraising backyard cricket games.

In four years I have traversed our State and met people from every region – from Albany to Wyndham and from Geraldton to Gingin.  Whilst these regions are so varied, what unites Western Australian is their pioneering spirit and sense of adventure.  There were drawn here, or were raised here, seeking freedom and opportunity.

I have learned much about and been enriched by our State’s ancient Aboriginal past and its thriving culture, and I call on all Western Australians to continue to walk in partnership with our first nations along the path to genuine reconciliation.  This must be intensified as we approach the 200th anniversary of European settlement.

• The Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia

 

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