Last week our VCE Politics students were given an opportunity to meet with the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO at Government House, who is also an Old Girl of St Catherine’s School. 

The girls had the opportunity to ask the Governor questions about her role and experience in the law. They also met with the Governor’s husband, Mr Anthony Howard AM KC, who toured the students through Government House. 

2023 School Co-Captain, Ava Colosimo, Kaitlin Chan and Olivia Hargrave provide their reflections from the event below. 

“Last week, both VCE global politics classes had the privilege and honour of visiting Government House. 

We had a Q+A session with the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO. Beginning the day with a tour of the different rooms of Government House by the Governor’s husband, Mr Howard AM KC, it was incredible to be immersed in the rich history of the building and of Victoria itself. We learnt about past Governors and the events that have helped shape our State.

Whilst the tour of Government House was both breath taking and informative, speaking with the Governor herself was the true highlight of the visit. As an Old Girl of St Catherine’s School, Her Excellency spoke to us about her role as Head of State and her background in the law. Answering our questions over tea, the Governor’s advice was a testament to the importance of breaking gender barriers within our fields. 

The Governor spoke of the bravery and effort it takes to prove your ability within male dominated areas, sharing her hope for a time in which seeing women in top positions is no longer unprecedented, proclaiming that rather than being defined by our gender – ‘the female Governor’ – we deserve to be defined by our merits.”