Speeches
Friday, 29 November 2024
Governor’s Farewell for International Students
Rod and I are pleased to welcome you all to Government House for this celebration of the end of the academic year and to usher in the Festive Season.
We trust you will take time to unwind, relax, and get to know more and about your fellow students.
Rod and I always look forward to this Christmas Party.
We take pleasure in celebrating your hard work throughout the year as well as the life and vibrancy that you, as international students, bring to Adelaide.
Here in South Australia we take pride in our culturally diverse society and the various perspectives that brings.
It makes us a stronger and welcoming community.
On official visits to China and Thailand this year, I was pleased to meet StudyAdelaide alumni and student ambassadors.
It was heartened to witness their enthusiasm for the time they spent studying in Adelaide, and for sharing their experiences with others.
Through personal connections and cross-cultural understanding, Rod and I are determined to promote our State and mutually advantageous international opportunities.
I hope you will consider yourselves an integral part of those connections and always leverage your knowledge of our city and our State as you continue to further develop your careers.
For those who have completed your studies, I trust you will come back often with friends and family.
For those who will be continuing to study here, I wish you all the best for next year and hope you will be able to spend time with family or friends over the Christmas break.
For those who will be spending the Summer with us, I understand that it can be challenging to be away from family and friends at this time of year.
Please know there is a community spirit at this time in Adelaide, and there are many enjoyable things to see and do.
I thank Study Adelaide for supporting you during your time with us and connecting you with aspects of our South Australian way of life.
It’s not easy at first to navigate our healthcare system, adjust to another culture, work part-time, manage budgets and keep up with living costs.
They are all part of your learning experience, as well as developing your personal resilience and confidence.
Friends,
Rod and I wish you an enjoyable and relaxing holiday.
Whatever you do and wherever you go in the future, we hope you will always consider Adelaide your second home.
Best wishes and Merry Christmas!