Speeches
Thursday, 20 February 2025
Reception for Governor’s Civics Awards
Rod and I warmly welcome you all to Government House.
On 28 December last year, Proclamation Day, I had the pleasure of presenting the majority of primary school awardees with their medallions at the Old Gum Tree in Glenelg.
This evening we celebrate the winners of other award categories, mostly secondary school students, as well as winners in the Group and Schools categories.
Congratulations to you all!
I am pleased that in 2024, we received our largest ever number of entries since the awards scheme began, five years ago.
Your presence here today is testament to your outstanding entries in the competition, and I trust you are all proud of your efforts.
You and your parents may be aware of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority’s report released this week, which showed that a significant number of Australian students have a limited understanding of civics.
I am heartened by your deep understanding of your civic privileges and responsibilities, as demonstrated by your award entries, and your enthusiasm for taking an active role in our democracy.
When I was growing up, my mother, the late Jennifer Cashmore, was a member of parliament and then a government minister.
Members of the public would come to her with ideas to improve our community, at the level of her electorate, as well as at the state level, in her capacity as Minister for Health and Tourism.
I witnessed her work tirelessly on a wide range of issues, from advocating for better public facilities in her local national park, right through to forewarning the parliament about the collapse of our State Bank in 1980s.
If you haven’t heard of the State Bank, your parents and guardians can fill you in!
At school and at home, I learned about how our system of government works, and how South Australians could influence it, either as private citizens, or by standing for elected office.
I understand that news reports can make the challenges our country and our world face can seem overwhelming.
However, never forget that, as citizens, there are always ways for us to advocate for the world we want to live in.
We are powerful, especially when we work together with others towards a common cause. One example is voting.
For senior school students here this evening – in the next few years, you will be able to vote for the first time.
Take this opportunity seriously. Research the candidates, find out what they stand for. Find who best aligns with your personal values.
Know what you need to do to cast a valid ballot to give effect to your voting intentions
For our younger students, there are still lots of ways you can participate in the democratic process before you are old enough to vote.
If you want to see something improved in your schools, talk to your SRC representative – or put your hand up for a leadership position.
If there’s something in your local community you want to change, write to your local member about it, with a suggestion.
It’s our politicians’ responsibility to represent the interests of their constituents, which includes you and your family.
I was pleased to see, in this year’s award entries, a deep level of engagement with taking practical action.
One SACE student chose to speak directly with members of an indigenous community, to learn their views on how we might close the gap in health outcomes of indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
Students from Melaleuca Park Primary school in Mount Gambier devised an initiative to improve their school's junior primary toilet facilities.
School staff have since put out a tender for these works, the first step in having the toilets renovated.
Students from Kangaroo Island’s Parndana Campus launched a community-wide drink driving awareness campaign, in partnership with the ‘Our Town KI’ group.
The students secured funding to create a mobile billboard, branded air fresheners, and hoodies to promote their "Drive Alive" message at major island events.
These are just some of the excellent actions outlined by students in their award entries.
I encourage you all to find further ways to be active citizens and support your communities – there are endless opportunities when you go looking!
Students, friends,
Entries for the 2025 awards open at the beginning of term 2.
I encourage everyone – teachers, students, parents – to spread the word about the awards, and if you would like, to follow me on Instagram and Facebook @governorsouthaustralia.
Much of what I post highlights active and engaged citizenship in all its many forms.
Principals and teachers, thank you for taking the time to learn about the awards and build them into your civics curriculum.
Students, congratulations once again on receiving an award in 2024.
Service is the primary route by which most South Australians visit Government House, and if you continue your journey as active citizens, no doubt many of you will make further visits in the years to come.
I look forward to seeing you next time.