WA's first female Governor sworn in

UPDATED: WA's 32nd Governor has been sworn in at a ceremony at Government House Ballroom.

Kerry Sanderson's proud sons Jarrad and Jason were among more than 300 guests, including former Governors Malcolm McCusker and Ken Michael, who welcomed the State's first female to the role this evening.

Former premiers Richard Court and Peter Dowding and current Premier Colin Barnett also attended the event, along with religious, business, civic and community leaders.

Mr Barnett spoke fondly of the woman he met back while they were students at the University of WA.

Mrs Sanderson, a former agent-general - WA's economic ambassador in London - and Fremantle Ports chief executive, thanked guests for their support, including Mr Barnett, who nominated and encouraged her to take on the role.

"Here today are a number of people who have helped me along my route and had the confidence to put me in various roles both in the public sector and the private sector," she said.

Mrs Sanderson congratulated students from her former school, Churchlands Senior High, who took part in tonight's ceremony.

"It was a privilege to attend State schools . . . (which) provided a wonderful education," she said.

She told guests that most of her role models were family members such as her father, who taught her much about public service and work ethics.

Her grandmother had taught her about determination and supporting her family.

But mostly, she praised the support of her late husband Lance and their two sons.

Mrs Sanderson and Opposition Leader Mark McGowan acknowledged former WA chief justice David Malcolm, who died after a heart attack in the early hours of this morning.

She said the 76-year-old - who presided as chief justice for 18 years until his 2006 retirement - would be long remembered for his contribution to the State.