Speeches
Monday, 29 November 2021
Reception for 2021 Student Citizenship Awards
Rod and I are very pleased to welcome you all to Government House to celebrate the recipients of the 2021 Student Citizenship Awards.
Well done to all of the winners here this evening, whose awards are being presented ‘with distinction’.
I also applaud the other 24 recipients, who will receive their awards at schools functions and assemblies later this year.
Students, you may be aware that before my swearing as Governor, nearly two months ago, I had a long career as a diplomat.
It enabled me to travel around the world and learn what life was like for citizens of different countries.
These experiences gave me a strong appreciation of the many benefits and privileges we enjoy as Australians, and confirmed me in my view that these should be celebrated.
I commend the SA Branch of the Order of Australia Association for its flagship program, the Student Citizenship Awards, which it has run for nearly 20 years.
I am very pleased that nominations for these awards have been growing steadily in recent years, testament to the regard in which they are held by South Australian schools.
I commend all of our winners for being identified by their schools as young leaders, and I applaud you for your impressive array of achievements.
Many of you hold leadership roles at school, as well as undertaking considerable volunteer and community work supporting social justice, environmental sustainability and more.
Taking on extracurricular activities during your senior years of school can be a challenge, especially during a pandemic, and I am impressed by your commitment to the wellbeing of your communities.
I thank your parents, many of whom I’m glad to see are here today, for providing the home environment that encourages and supports such work.
I thank the many dedicated teachers who have researched and prepared nominations for their students.
To our award recipients, I wish you every success for the future and hope to see you back here one day.
I trust you will all continue your work as active and passionate citizens in the years to come.
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC
GOVERNOR OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA