Victoria inducts first ever Jewish governor
COMMUNAL leaders have welcomed the inauguration of Linda Dessau as the 29th Governor of Victoria, the first woman and the first member of the Jewish community to represent the crown in the state in the role’s 160-year history.
COMMUNAL leaders have welcomed the inauguration of Linda Dessau as the 29th Governor of Victoria, the first woman and the first member of the Jewish community to represent the crown in the state in the role’s 160-year history.
The former family court judge and AFL Commissioner said at her induction last Wednesday that she was honoured to take on the position and despite difference in religion and gender, she shared the “sense of humility” that the governors preceding her felt at the appointment.
“Despite how obvious our differences may seem to be, generally there is much more that unites us than divides us. My gender may be different from the 28 governors who have preceded me, my religious background as well. I suspect I am even noticeably smaller than many,” Dessau said.
“These differences could set me apart. But the differences are in fact insignificant when compared to that which history tells me we all have in common.”
During the ceremony, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews praised Dessau for her commitment to the arts, sports and law.
“She represents the very best of Victoria; passionate about our culture, proud of our diversity and devoted to the fairness and progress of our society.”
He added, “She is a person of outstanding ability who has the city and the state in her heart.”
Congratulating Dessau on the appointment, president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) Jennifer Huppert said, “The Jewish community is delighted that Victoria has its first female governor and first Jewish governor.
“This is two major milestones in one state and is a very deserving achievement for Her Excellency who has an outstanding career of service and contribution in the law, arts and the community.”
“I expect that our new Governor will be a great leader in the areas of family violence and social cohesion, at a time when these two issues are probably the greatest challenges concerning Victoria.”
Secretary of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV) Rabbi Elisha Greenbaum, who attended the induction with Rabbi Ralph Genende, echoed Huppert’s sentiments.
“It was a wonderful ceremony. She was chosen on her merit to represent the entire base of Victoria. She’s by all accounts a proud Jewish woman and is affiliated with the community and will represent the whole state proudly.”
When discussing her appointment with The AJN earlier this year, Dessau said her emphasis would be on greater social cohesion and reaching out to the youth.
The domestic violence activist said she will focus on being a voice for all Victorians, especially younger ones, “many of whom I suspect are not completely in touch with what the governor does.”
“When you’re the first in any role, it’s both an honour and a responsibility, it’s both exciting and daunting. But I won’t be defining myself as either a female governor or a Jewish governor because I see myself as the governor for both genders and all religions and ethnic groups and all Victorians from all parts of the state.”
ZOE KRON
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