Speeches
Thursday, 28 October 2021
Reception to present the TAFE SA Honour Awards
I am pleased to welcome you to Government House for the presentation of the inaugural TAFE SA Honour Awards.
Today we gather to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the TAFE alumni community.
To all finalists here this evening: well done and congratulations.
276 nominations were received for these inaugural awards, and as finalists you should feel exceptionally proud.
A great strength of TAFE is its commitment to teaching skills that respond to our state’s shifting economic and cultural needs.
The 10 award categories were developed to align with the Government’s Growth State Plan.
While the professional achievements of our finalists are testament to their talent and determination, they are also testament to their TAFE education.
An education which gave them the knowledge and skills to thrive in our State’s existing and emerging industries.
On a personal level, I have much regard for the TAFE system, having seen the benefits of its practically focussed training.
Two of our four children chose the TAFE path, one of them having first tried university.
TAFE led to event and project management qualifications and a fulfilling job overseas.
As a diplomat I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the value that countries in our region place on the TAFE system.
In preparing their students for the demands of today’s information-intensive workplaces, many seek to replicate key features of our system.
In addition, international students from more than 70 countries choose to study at TAFE, a testament to the quality of education and support they receive here in our state.
I commend TAFE for working closely with government, industry and community leaders to produce a world-class education and training system for the benefit of thousands of South Australians every year.
These awards mark a new focus for TAFE on developing its alumni community, and I hope all finalists use this opportunity to meet new people and make new connections.
Ongoing skills development is as much about our collaboration with each other as it is about formal learning.
Congratulations once again to all finalists and I look forward to presenting the awards.
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC
GOVERNOR OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA