The Governor of Victoria, the Hon. Linda Dessau AC, and her husband, Mr Anthony Howard QC, give support to organisations to recognise the contribution they make to Victoria. This is known as patronage.

The Governor and Mr Howard are patrons to more than 160 community groups in Victoria. They support and promote organisations involved in voluntary service, industry, education, the arts, sport, and caring for those in need.

Applying for patronage

Requests for patronage should be made in writing and addressed to the Official Secretary to the Governor, Joshua Puls.

You can mail the request to Government House Drive, Government House, Melbourne, VIC 3004 or email it to requests@govhouse.vic.gov.au

Please include the following information in your request for patronage:

  • background information about your organisation
  • a copy of your organisation's constitution and latest annual financial report
  • details about the authorisation of your request (such as at an Annual General Meeting or by the executive)
  • your expectations of the patron
  • whether the Governor, Mr Howard, or both, are sought as patron.

As a general guide, Vice-Regal Patronage may be appropriate if an organisation:

  • and its main officers enjoy good standing in the community
  • has a Victoria-wide focus
  • conducts business on a not-for-profit basis, and
  • relates to the patrons' interests or professional experience.

There are many outstanding community organisations in Victoria and it is not possible for the Governor or Mr Howard to be patron of them all, no matter how deserving.

The patronage organisations of the Governor, both the Governor and Mr Howard, and Mr Howard are listed below.

Governor and Mr Howard with guide dogs
The Governor is a patron of Guide Dogs Victoria

Patronage of the Governor

As Patron, welcoming members of the Rose Society of Victoria to Government House
As Patron, welcoming members of the Rose Society of Victoria to Government House

Patronages of both the Governor and Mr Howard

Patronages of Mr Howard

Reviewed 04/02/2020
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