Acting Governor General Chris Dawson readies to fling open doors of Government House for charity ball

In a mirrored room in Government House in Perth, three West Australians stepped into the centre of Australia’s political universe. WA Governor Chris Dawson led an Executive Council meeting with Resources Minister Madeleine King and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman, dealing with recommendations such as approving regulations and appointments. The rare moment came about while Governor-General Sam Mostyn was overseas on a state visit to Singapore and Sri Lanka. Typically, in her absence, the longest-serving State Governor is asked to act as the administrator for the Commonwealth of Australia. However, Ms Mostyn took a different tack and asked Mr Dawson to step in despite him being the second newest governor in the country. Ms Mostyn has sought to use her term as Governor-General to demystify the role and promote civics education by spotlighting practices such as these executive council meetings, which usually happen in Canberra. There were fewer sequins at Thursday’s meeting than will be seen around Government House later this month when Mr Dawson throws open its doors for a charity ball. It is a little known piece of Perth history — but a documented fact — that 100 years ago Government House was the scene of a grizzly killing when a glamorous young woman shot dead her former fiance in the middle of a charity ball. While this year’s event will stick to a 1925 theme, including dance lessons for those looking to brush up on their Charleston, it will not seek to recreate the events of that year, when 25-year-old ship engineer Cyril Gidley was killed by Audrey Jacob, 20. Money raised will go to domestic violence not-for-profits Stronger Families and DV Assist as well as St John WA and Moort Boodjari Mia, the Aboriginal pregnancy and postnatal service at St John of God Midland hospital. The event will also mark the first collaboration between the WA Ballet, the WA Opera and the WA Jazz Project for a never-before-seen performance. For details visit govhouse.wa.gov.au