Speeches
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Adelaide Festival Luncheon
Rod and I welcome you to Government House today to celebrate the 2026 Adelaide Festival.
We extend a particularly warm welcome to guests who have travelled from interstate and overseas.
Rod and I have been soaking up as many Festival and Fringe performances as we can, whether across the road at Adelaide Festival Centre or further afield.
This year we congratulate Adelaide Festival on its 41st festival program, a program that this year features 59 events and 10 world premieres.
From the impressive set and blistering transformation of the classic Chekhov text into contemporary theatre in The Cherry Orchard,
to the energising performance of Mama Does Derby…
From the delight of an afternoon spent absorbed in A Concise Compendium of Wonder, and the iconic Isabelle Huppert in Mary Said What She Said…
To the incredible sounds of Alma Moodie Quartet, Ensemble Pygmalion, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and artists at Womadelaide…
To the striking Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art, Yield Strength, at the Art Gallery of South Australia…
These are just some the great pleasures Rod and I have experienced at this year’s Adelaide Festival – and of course, it’s not over yet!
Since 1960, Adelaide Festival has grown to occupy a significant place in South Australia cultural and artistic life.
Having the opportunity to welcome renowned international artists to Adelaide is a source of great pride for our state – as is showcasing our local talent and championing our nation’s most innovative work.
South Australians, as well as a significant number of interstate visitors, take great joy in contributing to the buzz and excitement that the festival brings.
Thank you all for choosing to be part of Adelaide Festival, and for sharing your talent and artistic expression with us – regular festival goers, first timers, our young people (shout out to Mama Does Derby) and visitors.
We thank you for creating meaningful connection with local audiences, for inspiring dialogue, and sometimes debate, and for leaving us with wonderful memories of performances on which to reflect for the rest of our lives.
South Australia is proud to offer you national and international exposure, as well as opportunities for collaboration and reputational growth.
While in Adelaide, we hope you are also able to attend Fringe and Festival performances, and experience our city’s other delights, such as food, wine, and beautiful beaches.
I thank the Adelaide Festival leadership team, including Artistic Director Matt Lutton and Chief Executive Julian Hobba, for their delivery of the 2026 program, with support from staff, volunteers and generous donors.
I especially thank the festival staff who, in recent days, have worked extraordinarily hard to support festival artists transiting through the Middle East on their journey to Adelaide.
Friends,
Rod and I hope the festival has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience for you so far, and we wish you every success for the future.
Thank you all for making Adelaide Festival one of Australia’s most memorable artistic events.