An Evening with The Hon Linda Dessau AC CVO

Signature Dinner with The Hon Linda Dessau AC CVO

Hosted by Prof Ian Dunn AM

The Hon Linda Dessau AC CVO served Victoria as the 29^th and the first female Governor, from 2015 to 2023.

Ms Dessau’s professional life commenced as a solicitor, then as a barrister in Melbourne until serving as senior crown counsel in Hong Kong from 1982-85. Upon return to Melbourne, she was appointed in 1986 to the Victorian Magistracy. Thereafter she was appointed as a judge of the Family Court of Australia, where she served from 1995 to 2013.

From her appointment to the role of Governor, Ms Dessau was warmly greeted by the community. With her husband, Anthony Howard AM KC, (a former County Court Judge), Ms Dessau made Government House a welcoming place for important visitors and everyday members of the community. And her visits throughout Victoria were so welcome, particularly after adverse weather events or other disasters. She was Governor throughout the pandemic, which posed its own unique difficulties.

At the end of her first term, when announcing the government’s decision to reappoint Ms Dessau for a further term, the then Premier Daniel Andrews said of the Governor and her husband:

"Through their tireless work they have wonderfully represented and celebrated our diverse community and its achievements at home and internationally, by making Government House a more open, accessible and inclusive place."

Her reappointment was widely applauded.

Ms Dessau served as Governor for a longer term than anyone since 1974.

Ms Dessau has much to offer Victoria’s civil society. We will hear her reflections about her experiences and what we may gain from them as we consider the relevance of the Vice-Regal role in 2025.

We are delighted to welcome The Hon Linda Dessau AC CVO back to Melbourne Forum. Please join Ms Dessau and your fellow members for this signature event.