Governor of Victoria to visit Ballarat

The Hon. Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, and her husband, Mr Anthony Howard QC will visit communities, businesses and organisations during a three-day visit to Ballarat this week.

They arrive today and will tour a number of sites across the city during their visit, learning more about Ballarat and its industries, and meeting community leaders.

The Governor has visited Ballarat numerous times, however this is the first official visit hosted by the City of Ballarat.

Mayor of Ballarat Cr Samantha McIntosh said it was a pleasure to welcome the Governor and her husband to Ballarat.

“We are very excited to have Her Excellency and Mr Howard visit Ballarat. We’re looking forward to hosting them on their tour of our beautiful city,” Mayor McIntosh said.  

Sworn in as the 29th Governor of Victoria on 1 July 2015, the Governor is the first female in the role.

The Governor had a distinguished career in the law as a solicitor, a barrister at the Victorian Bar, Senior Crown Counsel in Hong Kong, a magistrate in the Children’s Court, the Coroner’s Court and the Magistrates’ Court. Her final 18 years on the bench was as a judge in the Family Court of Australia. 

Throughout her career, the Governor was involved in a wide range of community organisations, including as a Commissioner of the AFL, President of the Melbourne Festival and a Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria.

The Governor was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010 for services to family law and the community. Further, in 2017, the Governor was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for her leadership in the judiciary, advancement of economic ties and business relationships, and service to charity, sporting, and arts organisations.