Regional travel
Whilst regional visits were heavily interrupted or cancelled due to COVID-19, the Governor still managed to travel 13,392km across WA. The Regional Visit Program ensures that the Governor has a good working knowledge of activities across the State. Regional visits provide an opportunity for the Governor to engage with and express appreciation to regional support services, local government representatives, volunteers, school students, and the many other people that make up the fabric of our rural and regional communities.
Functions hosted
The Governor and Ms Annus hosted over 853 events at Government House to support and promote Western Australian businesses, charities, individuals and sovereign capabilities. Events included Round Table discussions, Schools Art and Music Programs, charity launch events, State of Excellence dinners and much more.
Callers welcomed
Government House is a strategic and diplomatic location, and the Governor has a key role in engaging with a diverse range of people and organisations, both within and outside of Western Australia, with the aim of promoting the strategic interests and capabilities of the State. To this end, the Governor regularly engages with visiting international dignitaries, diplomats and members of the business, mining, agricultural, medical, scientific, arts and community service sectors. During his term, the Governor welcomed 603 callers to Government House.
Speeches
Well known for his inspiring and informative speeches the Governor has delivered 544 speeches over his four year term. The Governor officiates at important ceremonial and celebratory occasions including Anzac Day ceremonies, and other special occasions of State and national significance. He also acts as an advocate for the state of WA.
Royal assent
The Governor protects The Constitution and presides over the Executive Council, the supreme decision-making body of the State Government. All Bills passed by the Western Australian parliaments must be signed by the Governor before they become law. Over the past four years, the Governor has given royal assent to 175 Bills.
Investiture ceremonies
Always a highlight of the Governor’s role is the opportunity to present the Australian Honours and Awards. Over the past four years, the Governor has held 35 investiture ceremonies at Government House.
Delivering on the Governor’s priorities
- 184 Restart the Arts events
- 19,161 people attended these events
- 23 Conversations at Government House
- International, national and state guests including:
- Justin Langer, Peter Klinken AC, Asher Fisch, Ben Elton, Greg Hire, Grace Forrest, Christina Matthews, Dr Richard Walley, Kate Lamont, John Newnham AM, Eamon Sullivan and Kate Walsh.
- 16 Governor’s Roundtable events
- Critical Minerals
- City of Perth Lord Mayor’s vision for Perth
- WA’s Undersea Capabilities
- The Great Digital Divide
- Sovereign Capability and Critical Supply Chains
- Vulnerable Cohorts
- Urban planning with City of Perth
- Promoting Perth as a Cultural Destination
- Commercialisation and Manufacturing in WA
- Advances in Automation
- 5 State of Excellence dinners
- School Music in Education program
- Government House Lecture Series (Kids and Covid and Optimising Childhood Development)
- Garden Tours
- Plein Air Painters in the Gardens
- Yoga in the Gardens
- Noongar seasons videos with Indigenous leaders
- Installation of Aboriginal artworks in Government House by leading artists from the Kimberley and the Great Victoria Desert
- Program of regional day trips to support WA’s social and economic recovery during COVID
- Perth Festival events at Government House
- Three new social media accounts launched – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
- Jubilee celebrations (Establishment of the Jubilee Garden, patronage reception and lighting up house on two occasions)
- Balbuk statue unveiling
- Signing Ceremony for the South West Native Title Settlement
- Swearing-in of the new Western Australian Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries
- Welcome Home event to celebrate and thank Tokyo 2020 Olympians and Paralympians (co-hosted with Premier)
- Thank you reception for WAPOL officers and teams involved in the rescue of Cleo Smith (Taskforce Rodia)(co-hosted with Premier)
- Ultimate Backyard Cricket Match with the Pirate Ship Foundation (x2)
- Inaugural International Student Welcome reception (co-hosted with Premier and StudyPerth)
Other initiatives
Functions hosted highlights:
- International, national and state guests including:
