Government House opens doors to public for two-day festive extravaganza

With just 14 sleeps until Christmas, the countdown is on at Government House.

The doors of the 162-year-old building will be thrown open to the public this weekend for a two-day festive extravaganza, and guests are invited to wander the halls that have been home to every WA governor since 1863.

They might even bump into a special guest star in the afternoon.

Visitors can explore the Government House Ballroom and Royal Room, which is draped in traditional Christmas decorations, before heading outside to the leafy gardens to enjoy free live music and activities created by dozens of local community groups.

They will also be able to enjoy a smorgasbord of international cuisines from the Consular Corps, including Spanish, Polish and Malaysian delicacies.

Ahead of welcoming thousands of West Australians into his home, WA Governor Chris Dawson said Government House was an important part of Australian democracy.

“There’s many countries that many of us have had the privilege to visit, and you often cannot go into the mansions or the palaces or the government administration buildings,” he said.

“We live in such a safe society, we think it’s important that we can open up the house for an opportunity for people to see how our democracy works.

“This is a really important part of the way we live, because this is where the governors issue writs for our elections, this is where the governor swears in the premier and the ministry of cabinet, this is a really important part of the way our democracy works.

“(I think it’s important) people understand more about our civic society and the freedoms we enjoy. . . because we’re one of the blessed countries in the world where we can actually say, ‘Hey, this is an important part of how and why we live.’.”

Dr Dawson was looking forward to watching people soak up the festive cheer, and said visitors might expect a surprise visit from Santa.

“(There will be) a fellow in a red and white suit. . . someone rather portly who is pretty well known, so people can line up and either take a selfie or take some family photos of the family and the kids with Santa,” he said.

“He’ll be paying a visit on both Saturday and Sunday, despite his heavy schedule, he’s agreed to come and be with us for two afternoons.”

And in the true spirit of Christmas, Mr Dawson encouraged guests to bring non-perishable food to make a generous donation to Foodbank.

“It’s a time of giving, (people) can bring some appropriate food and we donate that all to Foodbank,” he said.

“We know there are many people that are suffering. . . so it’s an opportunity for those that are able to, and (if) you want to donate some food, we’re going to give that to Foodbank.

“We’re just really a place that can allow people to do that. . . and the community can give back to others that don’t have it as good as we have it, and at the same time, enjoy and learn a bit of history and enjoy the Christmas festivities and a bit of cultural interaction.

“There’s a bit for everyone.”

Government House will be open between 3pm and 7pm on Saturday and Sunday.