WA Governor Chris Dawson praised the community spirit of Geraldton and the Mid West and thanked the region’s volunteers, businesses and emergency services when he visited the city this week.

Travelling with his wife Darrilyn Dawson, the Governor met leaders and community members in Geraldton, Mullewa, Northampton and Kalbarri on a tour of the Mid West.

At a civic reception at Geraldton Regional Art Gallery on Tuesday, City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune welcomed the Governor.

“This marks the first visit from a governor to Geraldton since His Excellency Kim Beazley visited in August 2020. So it’s been a little while, but we’re thrilled that you are here now, and we greatly value the opportunity to continue this important tradition of regional engagement and relationship-building,” he said.

Mr Clune spoke of Geraldton’s history of economic strength driven by industry, and current status as “gateway to the north” and “destination in its own right”.

Mr Dawson and his wife visited Geraldton Health Campus and were given a tour of the redeveloped facility.

They also saw Geraldton’s industry up close, with visits to the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute, a tour of Geraldton Port from the water and Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation’s new short-stay facility.

The Governor also made stops at Geraldton PCYC and the HMAS Sydney II Memorial.

Mr Clune joked that the Governor would need to wash away the dust after his trip to the see the port operations.

On behalf of the city, the council presented Mr and Mrs Dawson with local gifts, books, and artwork reflecting the history of the city.

Council members, local politicians, representatives from local businesses, charities, organisations, emergency services and religious leaders were present at the civic reception

Mr Dawson thanked them for their contribution to the community.

“There are always issues, such as dust, such as fuel, fertiliser . . . but I know that everywhere that Darrilyn and I go, we see people such as yourselves who are here with their heart in the community. That’s an investment that can’t really be measured in economic terms,” he said.

“And there’s a great community spirit here, so thank you. It doesn’t happen by itself.”

Mr Dawson said Geraldton had a special place in his heart, as his father was born in the city.

He took the time to explain the role of WA Governor, as a representative of King Charles III, and how he holds constitutional and ceremonial power. He briefs the State Government on issues he sees during his travels in regional communities.

At community receptions in Northampton and Kalbarri — where among other things he took in the sights of the Kalbarri Skywalk and Hutt Lagoon — Mr Dawson praised the towns’ resilience in the aftermath of cyclone Seroja, saying it was the “very definition” of community spirit.

“You did not wait for help; you stepped up for each other,” he said.