I hate waking up early, but for this, it was worth it.
The beautiful Crown Ballroom was filled with over a thousand people eagerly waiting to hear what the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson APM and the guest speaker, Graham Maybury had to say. The breakfast is regularly attended by the Premier, the Governor, Chief Justice, Senior State Members of Parliament, the Police Commissioner or his nominee, high school students and prominent business and community leaders. We were thrilled to see Ian Goodenough MP, our Federal Member for Moore, as we walked into the ballroom. He sought us out afterwards to say hi and have some photos taken.
The Governor of Western Australia joined the Western Australia Police Force in February 1976, providing 46 years of service in Australian law enforcement. Chris was appointed Commissioner of the Western Australia Police Force in August 2017 and then Governor of Western Australia on 15 July 2022.
In the mid-1970’s Graham Maybury, our guest speaker, began a pioneering work with homeless young people, developing pathways of support to help them rebuild their lives. In 1981 and for the next 33 years, he was a light in the darkness for countless thousands of Perth radio listeners as host of Radio 6PR’s popular Nightline program. Lifeline WA grew from his work on Nightline with its wide range of community services, with Graham as its inaugural Chairman.
Of course, the breakfast was great, made up of eggs, toast and sausage, but the prayers and speeches were even more interesting, with some of them, like Graham Maybury’s, being filled with humour for the room while spreading powerful messages. Listening to people speak and tell their stories enabled us to connect with the world around us and better understand the experiences of others.
I’m glad I got to go; 10/10 would do it again.
Mark Zanosov and Sam Schroeder
Year 11 Students
Governor's Prayer Breakfast
