Speeches
Monday, 11 November 2024
Workers Educational Association of South Australia
Rod and I as joint patrons welcome you to Government House to say thank you to all those who have been at the heart of the WEA.
Last year, we were pleased to go to your place and join you at your milestone 110th anniversary Open Day.
There, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of your history, the breadth of your courses and an appreciation of the pride and enthusiasm with which they are offered.
The WEA is truly a respected South Australian institution and has grown from its original mission to deliver “higher education to the working class” to a community based organisation with significant social impact, providing affordable and accessible learning opportunities to adult South Australians.
While your courses are now offered in 30 locations across Adelaide, and at your Angas Street headquarters, or via Zoom, it is not the buildings but the people who are the spirit of WEA.
History shows it hasn’t always been an easy trajectory. I’m told that things looked dire in 1958 when the bank balance dropped to a mere six pounds. Adjusted for inflation, that’s only $232.00 today - I checked.
And times were tough in the 1990s when a restructure was implemented to keep you going.
COVID hit many organisations hard, and cost of living pressures have been challenging.
But there have always been people who have supported the WEA because they believe passionately in the WEA and its goals.
You are such people.
Thank you for your dedication.
Last year the WEA ran 903 courses, with 182 being new additions, reflecting your adaptability to meet the needs of our community.
I know many people eagerly await the regular catalogues and pore over the many and diverse offerings.
As I said at the Open Day, I have been one of the tens of thousands of people who have gained much from enrolling in a WEA course.
I learned to type at the WEA and how to look after my car. The latter was most important during my long drives home from Canberra as a young graduate in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
It is pleasing that in 2024 the WEA is witnessing an increase in enrolments as more people discover or rediscover this beloved South Australian institution.
Your history is being captured by the WEA Volunteer History Project and this year there is another milestone with WEA travel celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Of course, the WEA is more than learning, through its courses or travel destinations people can make new friendships.
People can join those with similar interests or meet others who too are grappling with finding their way around the mysteries of navigating an iPhone, or want to understand computer jargon, or discover the joys of cooking or crafts, or learn a new language or craft or understand more about small business or finance.
Through its courses, the WEA has always reflected the evolving interests, standards, trends, and lifestyles of the South Australian community.
Again, I congratulate you all on your contributions which enable the WEA to provide pathways for South Australians to learn, explore and grow.