Talking Indian Ocean defence, the ‘Power of Sport’, and Peru.

The rapidly emerging relevance of the Indian Ocean as a geopolitical and geostrategic stronghold, and Western Australia’s key role in it, was the topic of the inaugural 2022 Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference held in Perth.

The Governor presented the opening address at the two-day event, which saw defence chiefs, strategists, industry leaders, government and academia come together to discuss challenges in the evolving global security landscape and how WA’s location and the world-class capabilities of its diverse and growing defence industry can play an increasingly critical role.

The Governor spoke of of WA’s ever-increasing presence as a contributor to Australia’s evolving defence strategy, particularly in light of a defence force review and evolving initiatives as part of the AUKUS alliance.

“It’s up to us to send a strong and clear message to our nation’s decision-makers that Western Australia has a rightful place in the frontline of defence, a key seat at the table in its trilateral alliance, and a leading role in defence industry capabilities and investment.”

Later, the Governor and Mrs Dawson hosted a dinner at Government House for national and state defence and government representatives.

The Power of Sport

The Governor and Mrs Dawson joined players, coaches, sponsors and supporters of the Fremantle Football Club at a special luncheon in support of the Club’s Purple Hands Foundation.

The Foundation works to provide a range of community initiatives across Western Australia around health and well being, youth support, education and leadership, and inclusion, with close to $50,000 raised at the event to support the ongoing roll out of community programs.

The lunch included a ‘Power of Sport’ introduction from Fremantle AFL and AFLW Club Captains Nathan Fyfe and Hayley Miller, an inspirational talk by Paralympian and 3 x Para Surfing World Champion Matthew Formston, and a football panel featuring Fremantle’s Peter Bell and Bob Murphy.

Welcoming the Ambassador of Peru

A warm welcome to His Excellency Vitaliano Gaspar Gallardo Valencia, Ambassador of Peru, who met with the Governor on his first official visit to WA.

Like Western Australia, mining is the dominant sector of Peru’s economy so there was a lot to talk about around resources similarities and opportunities for collaboration.

The Governor and the Ambassador also spoke about the importance of ongoing international dialogue and connections in a changing global climate.

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