Speeches

Wednesday, 01 November 2023

2024 SA Australian of the Year Awards reception

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Rod and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House.

We congratulate the nominees.

The SA Australian of the Year Awards reception provides an opportunity to thank you for giving back unstintingly to our community, not because you have to; but because you want to. Because you care.

The 16 nominees – eight women and eight men – exemplify how the generosity of spirit and commitment of people makes Australia a great nation.

Our nominees have made an impact on the environment and health, they’ve lifted up the vulnerable and disadvantaged, helped combat domestic violence and abuse, supported veterans, refugees and emergency services, advanced Aboriginal youth, demonstrated that living with disability is not a barrier to achievement.

Thank you for your remarkable devotion and unwavering pursuit of creating a just and equitable society.

You make us proud.

The awards give us all an opportunity to reflect on what makes our nation great: our diversity, our community spirit, and commitment to providing opportunity.

Australia Day provides a marker to reflect on how people throughout our history – the First Australians, the European pioneers, the post war migrants and refugees, through to recent arrivals have all helped shape our identity.

The day also enables us to reflect on how we all can influence Australia’s future by active citizenship.

Thank you to the Australia Day Council for the stewardship of these prestigious awards.

Good luck to the nominees.

You all inspire us and encourage us to reflect on what it means to be an Australian.

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