Speeches

Tuesday, 31 December 2024

Pioneers Association of SA Proclamation Day Luncheon


I am delighted to be with you as your patron, and a sixth generation South Australian, alongside Rod, to mark the 188th anniversary of the reading of the Proclamation of South Australia.

The 28th of December 1836 marks a moment in time but does not stand in isolation; it is a point in the continuum that is the past, the present and the future.

Contributing to that continuum, for more than 60,000 years the First Nations lived on and cared for this land.

The European pioneers, and those from other lands, undertook a treacherous journey to build a community in a harsh but beautiful environment.

After the World Wars, we provided sanctuary to those fleeing oppression and conflict.

And we have welcomed those from the Indo-Pacific region and beyond who have brought their skills and culture and also enriched our community.

On Proclamation Day we pause to reflect on those who built our State and contemplate how we can honour their legacy.

Earlier today, as tradition prescribes, by reading the Proclamation, I reaffirmed our forebears’ determination to prove themselves worthy to be the founders of a great and free colony.

And for the Aboriginal population to be equally entitled to the privileges of British Subjects.

By commemorating today, we are reminded that we are the custodians of those ideals, as will be the generations to come.

I congratulate the Pioneers’ Association for keeping our colonial history alive. I know it is done with passion, commitment and by a dedicated band of volunteers giving the gift of their time.

Your research is often into the lives of ordinary pioneers who stories are not widely known, but collectively their struggles and hard work created our wonderful community. Stories that tell of our own hopes and dreams.

For the Association, it has been another busy year, with more than 20 events, registering a new constitution, and broadening your membership base to include a new category of members, namely Friend Members.

I am sure these new members will assist in enabling the stories of our early history to be more widely known and understood.

Because by knowing our past, we can better shape the future. One where we walk together.

Friends

Rod and I wish you and your families a safe and happy New Year.

We hope to see you at Government House sometime, perhaps at our first Lunch on the Lawns BYO picnic on Friday 3 January.

Thank you for the invitation to join you today.

Coming events