Rocky Bay welcomes our new Patrons

Apr 6, 2023

A photo of his Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson. Chris is smiling and looking at the camera.

We are delighted to announce His Excellency The Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia, and Mrs Darrilyn Dawson, as joint Patrons of Rocky Bay!

His Excellency The Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM

His Excellency was sworn in as the 34th Governor of Western Australia in July 2022.

He joined the Western Australia Police Force in 1976, going on to provide 46 years of service in Australian law enforcement. He served in country and metropolitan positions, criminal investigation, training and senior roles. The Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2002 saw Governor Dawson awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service. After 10 years as Deputy Commissioner, he left WA for a national role in Canberra between 2014 to 2017 as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Crime Commission, amalgamating several agencies into the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

He also served as Director of the Australian Institute of Criminology during this time. He was appointed Commissioner of the Western Australia Police Force in August 2017, serving until July 2022. During the period of the COVID-19 global pandemic as Commissioner, he coordinated the State of Emergency and the Vaccine program.

In the Australia Day Honours List for 2023, Governor Dawson was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to public administration through law enforcement roles, to reconciliation, and as the 34th Governor appointed in Western Australia.

Mrs Darrilyn Dawson

Mrs Dawson is a passionate supporter of the diverse contributions the country sector makes to Western Australia.

With over 40 years experience in the education sector, Mrs Dawson has taught in government and private schools in both country and metropolitan areas. Mrs Dawson has held a variety of roles throughout her career, including classroom teaching and as a Deputy Principal, and Principal in numerous primary schools.

A career highlight was securing a job-share Principal role, which was successful over a number of years in several large primary schools. This successful partnership was acknowledged when Mrs Dawson and her job share Principal were awarded the statewide Equal Opportunity Award by the Department of Education and Training.

Mrs Dawson has served on several government school Boards. She is an Education Consultant, providing leadership training and mentoring, and is regularly involved in school selection panels, appointing educational leaders. She is a Board and Committee member of two independent colleges, and is passionate about early intervention at every opportunity and providing children with the foundation to be their very best.

We look forward to the involvement on our joint Patrons in supporting Rocky Bay to create extraordinary outcomes for the WA community through exceptional health and community services.

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