Speeches

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Achilles Adelaide Reception

Welcome everyone to the ballroom at Government House to celebrate the first anniversary of Achilles Adelaide.

There are two large chandeliers hanging above us from a high ceiling painted egg-shell blue. The walls are pale yellow and hung with large gilt framed mirrors and a huge portrait of Queen Victoria. Vases of flowers are dotted about. You are welcome to smell them.

If you bend down and touch the Baltic pine floor, you will feel the indentations made by guests in stiletto heels, dancing over the decades. On the southern side there are tall French windows flanked by heavy brocade curtains, bunched together together with large silk tassels.

On the western side of the room, there is a wooden door with a brass knob which leads into my study. Just past my door, but still in the ballroom Matthew Flinders’ coffin plate is displayed in a perspex cabinet.

Through the doors on either side is the library in which stands a large oval table covered in green leather with gold embossing. That’s where I preside, every Thursday morning, over meetings of Executive Council.

This is a place for special occasions.

A first birthday is always a special occasion and one to celebrate.

It is a significant marker of progress. It means you’ve done what you set out to do and can now springboard to the future with confidence. The first year is under your belt and the way forward looks good.

I know it takes effort and commitment to get a not-for-profit up and running – pardon the pun – and I thank the board, volunteers, and supporters for your determination.

It is an honour to be your inaugural Patron.

As Governor I have been delighted to continue long-standing Vice Regal patronages of many worthwhile organisations.

But it is memorable to be the first patron and witness an organisation establish itself, grow and bring opportunity and pride to those it serves as part of the Achilles global movement.

You have already accumulated an impressive list of achievements, which are worth reiterating. You have:

  • Supported 18 athletes who are blind or have low vision, most participating each week;
  • Recruited 47 volunteer guides;
  • Participated in major community and sporting events such as the City-Bay, Adelaide Marathon Festival, Glenelg Classic, Gold Coast Marathon, Oceania Masters Games and parkruns.

And this year:

  • You are supporting an athlete to pursue international goals, including the London Marathon in April;
  • You are supporting other athletes to participate in the Ballarat and Sydney marathons later this year.

Impressive as this is, it doesn’t tell the deeper story of Achilles Adelaide, nor could it.

Because the deeper story is one of building confidence, independence, and the health and wellbeing of those living with sight loss.

It is a story of encouraging recognition - that people who are blind or living with low vision have the same aspirations as others - are capable and motivated with success determined by not by limitation but by thoughtful adaptation.

It is the story of the power of volunteering, the ability to build trust and create spaces where both athletes and guides have a deep sense of belonging, not only within the group, but in their community.

I saw this when I visited a training session in October last year:

  • I saw an athlete striding out with confidence, knowing his guide was on hand next to him.
  • I saw a guide who was attentive, but not intrusive enabling a sense of independence.
  • I saw a passerby, seeing the yellow tee shirts, smiling, and nodding that they were witnessing something special
  • I enjoyed great conversations along the way
  • I enjoyed the camaraderie of coffee afterwards – and realised that coffee and chat is a must!

I know you all wear the yellow tee shirt with pride. And rightly so. Even more impressive is that the guides and organisers are all volunteers.

You are helping to foster inclusive, transformative, community-led sport, and being part of it.

As you look to the future, I know you have plans to grow and also advocate, in particular for transport accessibility. Thank you for caring.

Again, congratulations on your first anniversary. I look forward to hearing of many more anniversaries.

Coming events