Speeches
Thursday, 06 February 2025
Sammy D Foundation Impact Event
Rod and I are pleased to join you for the Sammy D Foundation Impact Event.
It’s great to see key supporters, and potential new supporters, gathered to learn more about the foundation’s work over the past 12 months, as well as its plans for 2025.
I thank SkyCity Adelaide for hosting us this evening.
As 2025 began, it wasn’t long before news emerged of a one punch assault in our community, outside a Port Lincoln hotel.
The victim was in his twenties.
And a few days ago, more videos emerged of violence between students in a South Australian secondary school.
Violence and one punch attacks continue.
This is sobering. Yet there is hope. Action is being taken, and one of the driving forces for action is the Sammy D Foundation.
As a parent and as patron, I am inspired by the Foundation’s purpose to end violence by connecting and empowering young people.
Since 2008 the Foundation has developed a suite of evidence-based, primary prevention programs that work towards changing the attitudes of young people about the impacts of bullying, violence and alcohol fuelled violence.
The programs educate young people about the consequences of bullying, violence and drug and alcohol use, and provide them with the knowledge and strategies to keep themselves and their mates safe.
I am heartened by the number - more than 285,000, at last count – of young people who have been reached by the foundation’s education activities.
As Governor it’s a priority of mine, with Rod, to engage extensively with secondary school students, visiting schools across our state and welcoming students to Government House.
When we speak with students about civics, we see many who are engaged in learning how to be good citizens.
They want to know how to be good friends and siblings, how to make a positive contribution to their communities and society.
For this reason, we believe in the power of the Foundation’s education programs to help students understand themselves, learn how not to become involved in violence, and learn how to keep their mates safe.
And for students who don’t show immediate interest, we have learned not to underestimate the potential future impact of our conversations.
The adolescent brain matures significantly, well into our twenties!
Friends,
As Rod and I have engaged with the Foundation during my term – attending the Reach for the Stars Ball, and hosting Sammy D volunteers and supporters at Government House – we have seen first-hand the dedication of the Foundation’s community, and the generosity of its partners.
The foundation works tirelessly to empower younger generations; planting seeds every day to create a world that is safer and more harmonious for all.
It’s a noble cause, and we hope you’ll be part of it.
Let’s make an impact together.