Speeches
Wednesday, 06 November 2024
Patronage Garden Party
Rod and I warmly welcome everyone, in whatever capacity you serve your organisations, 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 or have travelled great distances to be here.
I start by thanking the Band of the South Australia Police, the first police band to be formed in Australia, which has been entertaining South Australians for 140 years.
Rod and I are honoured to be patrons of some 175 organisations, either individually or jointly.
While your contributions to our State are many and varied you share a common goal, a heartfelt commitment to lift up our community in any way you can - whether that’s as a board member, staff member, volunteer, or generous donor.
You amplify the voices of those who need to be heard.
You provide guidance and encouragement so the young and young at heart can excel and feel valued.
You bring people of like mind together and build communities.
You are there when people are going through difficult times.
You provide opportunity and independence to those living with disability.
You ensure the arts can thrive.
You ensure children can run, play, and explore.
Your combined efforts make this a great State and one I am proud to serve as Governor.
While Rod and I have met many of you throughout the year, this is a special occasion, when we see you all gathered together here on the lawns.
This is when that we can all gain a deeper appreciation of the magnitude of the power of community resolve to transform lives for the better.
Over the past three years, Rod and I have gained a deeper understanding of your contributions, your vision, and the context of challenges you face today and into the future.
Challenges such as attracting and retaining volunteers, leadership succession planning, ensuring diversity within your organisation, attracting funding in tough times.
Rod and I have sought to grow our connections and ties with you and also to facilitate ties between groups and organisations that may not have collaborated previously.
We are encouraged to learn that this has resulted in some positive outcomes, such as combining resources for greater impact or sharing office space to reduce costs, or seizing opportunities to enhance collaboration.
While today is an opportunity for us to say thank you, it is also an opportunity for you to network and further develop those connections which will enhance your work.
Rod and I stand ready to support you by offering encouragement, recognising achievement, or as a sounding board.
We hope everyone has an enjoyable Christmas and holiday season and, as your patrons, we look forward to working with you in 2025.