Speeches
Thursday, 05 December 2024
Reception to thank Government House supporters
Welcome everyone on the fourth occasion Rod and I have hosted an end of year reception for friends of Government House.
Many of you, in your wide variety of roles, have been with us from day one, some of you have been engaged with the house for many, many years and others more recently.
We now know each other pretty well and are deeply grateful for the time and energy you dedicate to the house and to us.
Our guest list for this evening’s reception is a special one, though. All staff have an opportunity to invite as guests the people they rely on to perform their roles.
That’s why the Crown Solicitor’s Office is here, along with our trades, the heads of government departments, our bee-keeper, our gardeners, architect and landscaper, our many wonderful North Terrace neighbours to the east and the west, the sporting and cultural organisations we support and who support us, our volunteers, our butcher and our cheese supplier, along with members of the RAN ban who play at our investiture ceremonies.
Rod and I have also invited some personal guests - the people who help keep us fit and well and our personal admin in order.
Today would have been my late mother’s 87th birthday and I am pleased to be able to welcome and thank those who supported and cared for her, particularly towards the end of her life.
The broader community beyond our gates may be surprised to know how much effort goes into the smooth running of the house and grounds, and everything that goes on within them.
We love meeting people when they visit for the first time and hearing their impressions.
For those of you involved in the maintenance and enhancement of Government House, we thank you.
We value greatly the relationships we continue to deepen with South Australian institutions, schools, businesses, and community organisations.
We value the assistance of local Councils which have supported our visits to local government areas across metropolitan, regional and remote South Australia this year, including the APY Lands.
We value our partnerships with Government departments, such as those involved in the running of the Governor’s Multicultural Awards and Governor’s Civics Awards.
I also thank the Department of Premier and Cabinet for coordinating my constitutional duties through Executive Council, as well as visits to Government House of foreign delegations and my own official visits to China, Thailand and the UK.
In 2024 we have the largest number of people visit Government House during my term – 94,322 to the end of November. And of course there is the rest of December to go!
This number was bolstered by our participation in the Illuminate Festival, with tens of thousands of people coming to view the stunning light show ‘Time’ by Filip Roca.
We also welcomed visitors to two Open Days, and we thank our volunteer tour guides for helping visitors to learn more about the house’s function, and the role of the Governor.
Our monthly public events - Lunch on the Lawns, Garden Tours led by guides from the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, and the Winter Conversation Series - have also grown in popularity and it is great to have representatives of the schools and councils which have supplied bands to perform for the public.
And although they are not here tonight, I want to thank
the Honorary Aides de Camp for their support throughout the year, lending their skill and professionalism as individuals and the dignity of their uniform to the support of my work.
And, many of whom are here tonight, I thank the Government House team, led by Official Secretary Hugh Borrowman.
Friends,
We wish you all a joyful and restful Christmas and New Year.
We look forward to seeing you in 2025 as we continue working together for the people of South Australia.