Speeches
Monday, 02 September 2024
Student Leader Reception
Rod and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House and we particularly welcome those who have travelled long distances.
Congratulations on being chosen to attend this reception and being leaders in your school communities.
We have had the pleasure of meeting some of you during our school visits, and we look forward to visiting those schools we have not yet been to.
While we have used these visits to speak about the benefits of active citizenship, we have been most appreciative of the opportunity to hear from students about their achievements and concerns.
We have heard good examples of positive change in classrooms, schools, and the wider community.
We have heard how young people are collaborating and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging because leadership is not the sole responsibility of older leaders: our school principals, politicians and world leaders.
It is the responsibility of us.
Rod and I strongly believe that young people’s voices – your voices – matter greatly and should be actively sought and listened to.
I know many of you are mindful of a rapidly changing world and that creates its own pressures. Then there is the hard work of studying, competitive sport and fulfilling outside work commitments.
As parents of four now adult children, Rod and I know that at times leadership responsibilities can weigh heavily on young leaders’ energy levels and frame of mind.
Ultimately leadership is how you can listen, influence, encourage others, take action, work as a team, contribute ideas and get things done.
I am confident the leadership skills you have developed so far will stand you in good stead throughout your careers and lives.
My own career journey started just up the road as an economics student at the University of Adelaide, led me all over the world as a diplomat, and brought me back home to be Governor. From there to here has been short in actual footsteps, but long on experiences and seizing opportunities.
I am sure that if I hadn’t said yes when opportunities appeared over the years, I wouldn’t be here with you today.
Sometimes those opportunities come from left field, they aren’t what we expect, they aren’t on our radar or part of the bigger picture at the time. But if we consider them and grasp them as they arise, they can take us in interesting and fulfilling directions.
For his part, Rod at various times was a physicist, a diplomat, and a teacher.
For my part, I am still learning about leadership, and how best I can encourage and inspire others.
As you look towards your own futures, I encourage you to think that there have never been more opportunities for school leavers in South Australia to pursue fulfilling and interesting careers where you can make a real difference.
The AUKUS submarine and other defence industry projects, the space industry, investments in hydrogen and other renewable energies, information technology, medical research, the need for care workers to support an ageing population and construction engineers and workers to support the demand for housing, and our vibrant arts sector are all presenting great career opportunities.
I encourage you to be open to any opportunities these present.
As you look to the future, I thank your teachers, family and friends for their encouragement and support of your leadership aspirations.
Now, South Australia, although large in area isn’t really all that big in terms of community.
We are highly likely to see each other again, and, when we do, please come up and say hello and let us know what you are doing.
Because you have the opportunity to do great things.
And Rod and I are confident that you will.