Speeches

Thursday, 07 November 2024

2025 SA Australian of the Year Awards Presentation

Rod and I are delighted to join you this evening to celebrate the nominees for the Australian of the Year Awards.

Their achievements are wide-ranging, but they all speak to the character of South Australians.

They highlight our determination and willingness to step up … our care for others and a deep commitment to innovative solutions.

They remind us that people from all walks of life are making an extraordinary impact on our communities, our state, and our nation.

So, to the nominees, congratulations!

You are here because people are rightly proud of you and the contribution you make.

However, it has not been an easy journey for you.

You’ve taken risks.

You’ve stepped up – but I expect you also know what it feels like to stumble from time to time.

You also know how to keep at it – be it in your community, in your field of endeavour, or through your efforts to lead change.

Put simply, you are role models who embody values that we hold dear as a nation.

Despite that, you are – often – quiet achievers: unsung heroes whose work is largely unseen by many in the community.

But your nomination makes the invisible visible.

It also puts a powerful spotlight on the causes you care so deeply about.

Friends

I applaud all the nominees – and those who have helped them at so many points in the journeys that have led them here.

As patron of the Australia Day Council of South Australia, I also recognise its members for their dedicated efforts and stewardship of these awards.

I am grateful for the important contribution you make to our state and for the commitment shown by Council supporters and sponsors.

I speak for so many South Australians when I conclude by saying to the nominees:

  • we see you and the contribution you are making;
  • we thank you for it;
  • and we are inspired by you and by your efforts.
  • Your work is often deeply transformative: improving our state; strengthening our future; and changing lives for the better.

I thank you and again congratulate all the nominees and wish the South Australian winners, soon to be revealed, the best of luck in the national awards.

Coming events