Speeches
Monday, 20 November 2023
Opening of the new Carrick Hill Pavilion
Rod and I are pleased to join you this morning for the opening of the new Carrick Hill Pavilion.
It was our great pleasure to tour Carrick Hill last year and view the Fantasy Estate Art Exhibition, in conjunction with Tutti Arts.
Returning today I am reminded of the striking beauty of the house and garden, and how fortunate we are as South Australians to have had Carrick Hill bequeathed to the state by the Haywards, almost 40 years ago.
As Governor I am proud of Carrick Hill’s historical significance, both locally and nationally.
As one of the few period homes in Australia to survive with its original contents almost completely intact, and its grounds undiminished, Carrick Hill is one of the jewels in our State’s cultural crown.
Each year, more than 150,000 visitors have the opportunity to learn about the art and cultural tastes of Australia in the mid-twentieth century through Ursula and Edward Heyward’s extensive art and furniture collection, itself spanning several centuries; they can also explore the Edwardian style garden, surrounding bushland and admire the accompanying vistas.
I understand that some thirty percent of the visitors are from interstate or overseas, meaning the institution is a significant tourism destination.
Friends,
I warmly congratulate Carrick Hill on the completion of this new pavilion.
With expansive views of the house, hills and sea, a beautiful events area and new café facilities, I have no doubt this space will prove exceptionally popular and help to increase your visitor numbers, especially for functions such as weddings.
I thank the Australian Government City Deal program, the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and the Carrick Hill Foundation for coming together to fund this project.
It is also fitting that the Favaro Group, owners of one Adelaide institution in the form of Chianti restaurant, will run the restaurant in this Adelaide institution. I thank them for their support in its fit out.
I thank all donors to the Carrick Hill Foundation who have helped to make this pavilion a reality, in particular Bill Hayward, nephew of Sir Edward Hayward, and Pamela Wall and her late husband Ian Wall, for their hugely generous support.
I also acknowledge Cook Building and Ashley Halliday Architects for their fine contributions.
I thank the Carrick Hill Chair and Trustees for their vision for the pavilion project, and the Director and staff for their dedication to its fruition.
During my postings as a diplomat at the Australian High Commission in London, I came to appreciate the curatorial and public engagement talents of fellow South Australian Susan McCormack.
I was naturally delighted to see Susan return to Adelaide not so long ago bringing with her valuable experience acquired at the Ashmolean in Oxford and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
I thank Susan for translating this experience for the benefit of Carrick Hill and South Australia’s cultural landscape.
Congratulations to all on the launch of the Carrick Hill Pavilion. It is my great pleasure now to declare it open.