Speeches
Tuesday, 21 March 2023
Reception for Philanthropy Australia
Rod and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House.
It is an honour to do so, almost 10 years to the day (26 March) that my esteemed predecessor His Excellency, Rear Admiral, the Honourable Kevin Scarce held a reception at Government House to mark the launch of Philanthropy Australia’s South Australian office and to pay tribute to the contribution that philanthropists make to the community of our State.
Philanthropy has long been part of South Australia’s ethos.
There is something about South Australians that gives us an impetus to identify what needs to be done, to join together and make things happen - the generosity of spirit alongside the generosity of giving.
As Governor, it has been heartening to observe the strong sense of community displayed by the many local organisations, service groups, not for profits, schools, families and individuals Rod and I have met.
This has long been part of who we are as a State.
We need look no further than some of our prominent institutions to recognise how philanthropy helped build our state since the early days of settlement.
The generosity of the Angas family and others in donating large sums for the building of churches, public buildings, educational institutions.
The Bonythons for contributing to the construction of Parliament House and the University of Adelaide’s Bonython Hall, creating work for people when it was most needed.
The generosity of the Waite family in bequeathing land for what became the Waite Agricultural Research Institute almost a century ago.
Examples abound of how early philanthropy founded benevolent societies and other organisations to help the poor, Aboriginal people, the sick, the infirm.
Fast forward to today and that magnanimity abounds in supporting the arts, the environment, our history, our learning, our disadvantaged.
As the world faces complex issues such as climate change, water and food insecurity, poverty, ageing societies, and reconciliation with indigenous populations, we will need the combined efforts of governments, not-for-profits, business and philanthropic endeavours to make a difference.
I have every confidence we in Australia and South Australia have the energy to be part of finding solutions.
Friends,
The Philanthropy Australia (SA) office has been a local face for much wider effort.
It has been supported in its growth by a number of foundations including James & Diana Ramsay, Nunn Dimos, Fay Fuller, Day Family and the Wyatt Trust. Last year the organisation’s membership grew from 60 to 77. Congratulations.
I pay tribute to those who have managed the SA office in its various locations over the past decade: Alison Beare, Julia Steele Scott, Sophie Doyle, Kay Burton and Sharon McGann the current SA Engagement Manager.
Nationally, I thank Philanthropy Australia for the role it plays as a peak body, for its advocacy, research and sharing of information, and for bringing together like-minded groups to create greater impact in tackling critical social, economic and environmental issues.
I commend you for your pursuit of a doubling of Philanthropic Giving by 2030 and I encourage South Australians to get behind this quest.
Again, congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the Philanthropy Australia SA office.
May you continue to be an important face of philanthropy now and a growing force for philanthropic giving on the part of future generations.