Speeches
Wednesday, 22 November 2023
Patronage Garden Party
Rod and I warmly welcome everyone – whether office bearers, board members, members, volunteers or clients - to Government House gardens today to say thank you for your extraordinary contributions to South Australia.
We particularly welcome those who are here as guests for the first time.
And:
The Honourable Mike Rann, Chair SA Film Corporation and 44th Premier of South Australia
Mr Adrian Pederick MP, Club President, SA Parliamentary Bowling Club, and Member for Hammond
Ms Lucy Hood MP
Member of the SA Parliamentary Bowling Club, and Member for Adelaide
Rod and I are honoured to be patrons of some 175 organisations, either individually or jointly.
Now in my third year as Governor, we are getting to know you better - gaining a deeper sense of your work and challenges – renewal, diversity, leadership succession planning, encouraging participation – and also the opportunities and pathways being a client creates.
Each organisation has shown remarkable devotion to our community, whether through lifting up others, supporting the arts, sport or education, or just being there when the community needs you.
People helping people, not because you have to, but because you want to.
All of you have had a profound influence on the communities you serve. For that we are grateful.
Our State is richer for your unwavering pursuit of helping others, your compassion and the giving of the precious gift of your expertise and time.
As Rod and I travel the State, we have been impressed by the boundless efforts of people who are transforming lives.
We saw that last night at the Novita Client Achievement Awards and Supporters Thank You event, and last week flying in the north of the state with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. We saw it the week before with the RSL, MESHA and the Association of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women on Remembrance Day, and the week before that with the Royal Geographical Society, UNESCO Clubs, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards and Ice Factor Foundation.
We can see clearly the pride you all take in the associations to which you contribute your professional expertise, your time and your hearts.
As patrons we stand ready to support you by offering encouragement, recognising achievement, or as a sounding board. But, importantly, by saying thank you.
We hope you, and others in your organisations and those who you serve, see Government House and its gardens as a welcoming place.
All welcome to come to our community outreach events, Lunch on the Lawns, garden tours and winter lecture series.
Hope everyone has an enjoyable Christmas and holiday season and, as your patrons, we look forward to working with you in 2024.