Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn says Geraldton visit a success after more than two days of discussions

Australia’s Governor-General says her visit to Geraldton was a success after two-and-a-half days of discussions with locals. Sam Mostyn was in the Mid West on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning, speaking to community groups about the issues that matter to them. According to the Governor-General, people in Geraldton have great respect for the region they live in. “There’s a sense of pride in Geraldton and the surrounding region about being here in the Mid West,” she said. “I think people of Geraldton are very proud of the things that only happen here. “I think there’s a pride in some of the beauty of the landscape, so the coastline and then the wildflowers.” During her visit, Ms Mostyn was given a tour of the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation, Geraldton Museum, the port, Champion Bay Senior High School, and an event with the Midwest Multicultural Association. According to the Midwest Multicultural Association, 13 cultures were represented, as well as 16 organisations Ms Mostyn said multiculturalism was the norm across Australia, with Geraldton no different. “I think it is a very powerful reminder of what a diverse, really interesting and like place Australia is, by virtue of a combination of First Nations experience, the British institutions that I represent as the Governor-General, and then the multiculturalism that we’re finding everywhere around the country that brings together community into the great Australian story,” she said. Ms Mostyn also spoke highly of her experience at Bundiyarra, saying the learning opportunity from First Nations people and their connection to the land, as well as the chance to see the facilities, was a great opportunity. She said spending a longer period in Geraldton meant there was greater opportunity to hear local stories. “I think it’s important when you have a high public office that we don’t just drop into a place just for the sake of it,” she said. “So to come here, it’s really important to spend time, to meet people, hear the stories and pay respect to the many things that happen in Geraldton. “That matters to me, because I do want to represent Australians in this role.” The visit from the 28th Governor-General was the first time the monarch’s representative has been in Geraldton since David Hurley came to the region in 2021 after cyclone Seroja.