The Governor of Victoria - The Hon. Linda Dessau AC

Ep. 55 - The Governor of Victoria, The Honourable Linda Dessau, AC

On 1 July 2015, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC was sworn in as Victoria’s 29th Governor, the first female in the role. 

She worked as a solicitor and barrister for a number of years before taking her first judicial appointment as a Magistrate in 1986. In 1995 she was appointed a Judge of the Family Court of Australia where she served for 18 years. But it's the Governors work outside the law that was just as fascinating to me. Social issues have always been a the heart of her work and that was heavily influenced by the fact that her father escaped the persecution of the Jews in Poland in 1929 and his gratitude to Australia in taking him in and his insistence that his family always look to give back as a result, is obvious when you listen to the Governor speak. 

She has been engaged in many community organisations including as President of the Melbourne Festival, a Commissioner of the Australian Football League, a Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria and was a founding Chair of the Essendon Football Club Women's Network. And yes, for those who've heard me mention it previously, we did have a few words on her choice of AFLW team to support. We'll sort that out later I think. 

Very down to earth, authentic and, what I found really heartening, was her response to my question about whether, given the lofty heights she's attained, she had ever had to overcome doubts in her own ability to achieve something. Her answer should be studied by everyone who's ever felt a level of anxiety or doubt - and, according to the Governor, that would include herself and every world leader she's ever met. And that's a lot of world leaders. 

Always curious. Always learning. Always listening. A pretty good role model I reckon.  I learnt a lot - I mean, it's not important or even worthy of bringing to everyone's attention....but who knew there was an 'r' in the middle of 'Governor'? Be curious. 


#Reallyinterestingwomen #RIW #GovernorofVictoria #vicgovernor #earlypathtaken #workhard #community #apolitical #curiousmind #gwsgiants #essendonbombers #preferGWSthough
@richardinstagraham @vicgovernor 
www.governor.vic.gov.au

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