Speeches
Friday, 14 November 2025
Australian of the Year Awards for South Australia
Rod and I are pleased to join you this evening for the presentation of the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards for our state, where we celebrate the contributions of 16 exceptional South Australians.
As Governor, I’ve met a number of this year's finalists and I am heartened by their dedication to improving the lives of others.
People are undoubtedly our state's strength. The finalists here this evening embody that spirit of community for which South Australia is renowned.
The work of our nominees covers a wide range of fields: from health research and conservation, to advocacy and the arts, to education and humanitarian work.
A common thread among awardees is that all have identified a need and stepped up to make a difference.
They have worked hard, and have given the generous gift of their time, expertise, and passion – not because they have to, but because they want to.
All reflect values of respect, equality, opportunity, and compassion.
They make us proud and they inspire us to do better; to examine what we too can do to lift up others and strengthen our community.
Rod and I have been honoured to attend this ceremony in recent years and to witness outstanding South Australians be named South Australian of the Year.
For 2022 it was Professor Helen Marshall, a pioneering vaccine researcher; 2023, body image campaigner Taryn Brumfitt, who went on to become Australian of the Year; for 2024, dedicated conservationist and adventurer Tim Jarvis; and for 2025, leading child protection expert, Professor Leah Bromfield.
I’ve observed first-hand how award recipients support each other, and how close they become. No doubt this year's winners will be the same.
I have also observed the power of the Australian of the Year platform: the capacity it offers recipients to share their work, to spread their message, and to inspire their fellow South Australians in ways that promote the wellbeing of individuals and our state in general.
During this time I have been equally impressed by the winners of the Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, and Local Hero awards - each bringing their own passion and commitment to making South Australia a better place for all.
The awards give us an opportunity to say thank you to those who don't seek recognition but are nonetheless thoroughly deserving of our gratitude.
I thank the Australia Day Council of South Australia for its excellent stewardship of these awards.
I look forward to presenting the Local Hero and Young Australian of the Year awards shortly, and to the announcement of the Senior Australian and Australian of the Year.
Congratulations to all our finalists this evening - you inspire us and show us what it means to be an outstanding South Australian.
To tonight's winners: I wish you every success as you represent our state at the national awards in Canberra in January, and as you use your remarkable talents in the service of our community and our nation.