WA Governor explores Katanning culture and history

Governor receives gift of model boat

The Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia, visited Katanning on February 1-3, with regional support from the GSDC. We liaised with Government House to facilitate the Governor’s trip and ensured that staff were on hand to represent the region.

Drummers from the local Islamic community played a welcome for the Governor and his wife, Ms Susie Annus, as they visited the Katanning Mosque and listened to the story of the town’s many cultures. Imam Alep Mydie conducted a tour of the mosque and explained its origins in the immigration of workers from Cocos and Christmas Islands in the 1970s. The Islamic Society of Katanning presented the Governor with a model of a traditional boat and a carving of a sailfish.

The vice-regal visit also took in Kobeelya House, the Katanning Museum and meetings with the Katanning Noongar Leadership Group and the Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation.

Hazara community members provided a dinner at the Katanning Town Hall and the Governor was informed of community concerns about family members in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Islamic drummers

Governor talks to group of women

Group of guests with Governor

Top photo: The Governor received a model of a Malay boat from Imam Alep Mydie, representing the Islamic Society of Katanning.

Lower photos: The Governor was welcomed to the mosque by traditional drumming; the Governor met women from the Islamic community; a reception for the Governor (centre) included (from left) GSDC Chair Bruce Manning, Shire of Katanning CEO Julian Murphy, Shire of Katanning President Cr Liz Guidera and GSDC CEO Natasha Monks.