The program this week focused on the creative and political sectors, as well as community engagement.
The Vice-Regal program this week saw the Governor engaging with representatives from a range of political and democratic bodies. The week commenced with the Governor hosting a State Dinner in honour of the Premier and the Cabinet in the 60th Parliament of Victoria. The Governor is the fourth Victorian Governor to oversee only one Premier during her term. Speaking at the Cabinet Dinner, the Governor congratulated the Minister’s on their electoral success and wished them luck for their oncoming term.
Constitutional Responsibilities are an integral part of the Governor’s role. On Tuesday, the Governor received the call of Mr Warwick Gately AM, Victorian Electoral Commissioner. Mr Warwick returned the Election Writ for the Narracan District Supplementary Election. The supplementary election was required after a candidate in the November 2022 election sadly passed away before election day.
On Thursday, the Governor and Mr Howard hosted a graduation ceremony for participants of the 2022 University of Melbourne Pathways to Politics Program for Women. A strictly non-partisan initiative, the program aims to change the face of politics by equipping women with the skills, knowledge, confidence and networks they need to run for elected office and thrive as political leaders. The evening began with a lecture from the Governor’s Official Secretary, Jonathan Burke, on the contemporary role of the Governor and the importance of her constitutional responsibilities in our Westminster system of Government. The Governor then gave a speech that explored the importance of diversity in politics and the progress made since Federation. Read more of the Governor’s speech here.
On Friday, the Governor and Mr Howard visited the Victoria Police Transit and Public Safety Command Facilities. The event involved a visit to the Victorian Police Air Wing facility, a tour of a VicPol specialist training school, a briefing at the State Rescue Coordination Centre and a tour of the Water Police Squad headquarters. It was an opportunity for the Governor and Mr Howard to learn more about the statewide coordination of land and marine search and rescue undertaken by Victoria Police and to thank the men and women of VicPol for their service in protecting the Victorian community on land, in the air and on the water.
On Wednesday, Mr Howard welcomed participants of the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School to Government House and took them on a tour of the state apartments. The tour was an opportunity for students to learn about the history of Government House and the contemporary role of the Governor. During the visit, the Governor joined participants to hear about their experience in the MITS program and participated in a kick-to-kick session on the Western Lawn. Learn more about the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School here.
Supporting the arts and creative industries in Victoria is a priority of the Governor’s Program. On Wednesday, the Governor was hosted by Tyrone Wright and Alice Goulter at the RONE Exhibit at Flinders Street Station. Rone has gone from spearheading Melbourne’s fledgling street art movement in the early 2000s, as a member of the Everfresh crew, to being a celebrated fixture on the international street art scene. He is best known for his large scale works and instillations, including murals on the facade of the Fyansford Cement Works silos in Geelong.
Continuing her engagement with the creative industries in Victoria, the Governor also attended the first day of filming for the International Indian Film Festival Project ‘My Melbourne.’ Taking part in the commencement ceremony, the Governor cracked a coconut before clapping the clapperboard to signify the beginning of the first shot. Cracking a coconut is an Indian ritual that marks the beginning of auspicious events. It is believed that coconut water removes negative energies and lays the foundation for oncoming work. The Indian Film Festival project ‘My Melbourne’ aims to create an entertaining feature film that is authentic, contemporary, honest, and relevant. Learn more about the Indian Film Festival here.
During the week, the Governor was delighted to receive the calls of the Honourable Shaun Leane, President of the Legislative Council and Major Brendan Nottle, Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army. The Governor also received the farewell calls of Ms Mazita Marzuki, Consul General of Malaysia and Andrew Cumpston, State Director Victoria at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
On Wednesday, the Governor also received the call of Ms Samantha Cowen CVO, Envoy for Australasia and the Pacific, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and Dr Mohamad Althaf, Director, Lulu Group International.