Auslan interpretor Fiona Perry and WA Premier Mark McGowan immortalised in oil painting

Michael TraillThe West Australian
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Camera IconA painting by artist Mandy Buti titled “Communicators in Uncertain Times” featuring Premier Mark McGowan and Auslan Interpreter Fiona Perry, at Dumas House. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

For WA’s hearing-impaired community, Fiona Perry is the trusted face of the State’s health advice and response to the coronavirus pandemic.

For the rest of us — and even Premier Mark McGowan — she’s become a “cult figure” for her dedication in addressing the State during challenging and sometimes humorous press conferences.

Now the pair have been immortalised together on canvas.

Mr McGowan and Ms Perry were presented with “Communicators in Uncertain Times” by Perth-artist Mandy Buti yesterday.

Mrs Buti said pair would “forever share this moment in our State’s history as the public faces and communicators of WA’s response to COVID-19”.

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Ms Perry, a sign-language interpreter for 45 years, said it was an honour for her and her Auslan colleagues to be called on by the Premier.

She rose to fame in April when she failed to contain laughter after the Premier was asked if West Australians would be arrested for eating kebabs while outside as the State was in lockdown.

“What you have to do with these press conferences is really listen to talkback radio, read reports, so you're really up to date with exactly what's happening,” Ms Perry said.

“Then you’ll come into the press conference with that knowledge behind you, so if anything comes up, you do have that knowledge.

“I think that's what the community loves to be able to see that access is actually given for the deaf and hard of hearing community,” she said.

Mrs Buti is the wife of Armadale and Labor MP Tony Buti

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