Speeches
Friday, 18 October 2024
Address the gathering at the official launch of Children’s Week 2024
Thank you Kaliyah for the touching acknowledgement of country song and Divya and Aiza for the lovely welcome.
It is Rod’s and my pleasure, as joint patrons of the Children’s Week Association of South Australia, to be with you at Dernancourt Primary School this morning for the official launch of Children’s Week.
Children’s Week is an opportunity for you as children and young people to explore your curiosity, have an adventure, learn about the world about you and importantly have fun!
It is also a marker for us as adults to consider how we can listen, support, and encourage children to be their best and provide an environment in which they can thrive.
After all, children have the right for a safe and clean environment where-ever they are and what-ever they are doing.
As Rod and I travel around the State to visit schools, or meet young people at Government House, we know that this year’s theme: Children having the right to a safe and clean environment is very dear to your hearts.
We know that as young people you have pride in caring for the environment, not only for today, but for the future.
We heard that in the song today: I am the Earth.
You also have ideas about how we can grow healthy food, have clean water to drink and live in a clean, safe environment.
I am sure you often enjoy the nearby linear park, play amongst the trees, and see how the seasons subtly change the landscape and then the cycle begins again.
The environment around us has changed much since colonial settlement, almost 188 years ago, and there is much we can learn from our First Nations people in caring for our lands and waters.
As young people you have the opportunity to gain experience from many cultures to help shape the world in which we live.
I encourage you to always be curious, actively listen to ideas, and try new things as you go through life.
By celebrating Children’s Week, you join 10,000 children in South Australia and those in more than 151 countries who enjoy the Festival.
I thank the Children’s Week Executive and Committee for their commitment and hard work in staging the week-long festival.
Enjoy!