Speeches
Sunday, 01 June 2025
Back to Burra 180th Anniversary
Rod and I are pleased to be with you tonight in the Burra Town Hall – celebrating its own 150th anniversary – on this very special occasion marking 180 years of Burra.
In my early months as Governor, I joined many of you here to mark the centenary of the Burra Fallen Soldiers Memorial.
That occasion left a lasting impression on me - and so has Burra.
It has been a joy to hear how the town has come alive over the past month with a vibrant program of Back to Burra events.
From historical talks and cemetery walks to wool pack fashion displays and the ‘Time Travel through Sewing’ project, Burra has brought its past to life with imagination, pride and charm.
I was particularly pleased to hear that the celebrations extended beyond Burra, with a special tour bringing visitors from Adelaide to explore the childhood home of polar explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins.
This event – and the nostalgia of a traditional country dinner dance – feels like the perfect culmination of your celebrations.
It is also 100 years since the very first Back to Burra event in 1925 – a gathering to bring people home and reconnect them with their roots and with each other.
A century on, that spirit is alive and well here tonight.
This afternoon, Rod and I had the pleasure of joining Chris Reed from the National Trust for some highlights of the Burra Heritage Passport Tour.
We felt as though we were stepping through time to learn more about the town, visiting Morphett’s Engine House and the specially opened courthouse.
It was a powerful way to experience Burra’s past and reflect on Burra’s pivotal role in shaping South Australia.
The wealth from the Burra Burra Mine helped fund our young colony - including, I must note, major extensions to Government House!
Burra’s proud legacy continues to be recognised.
Last year, the Australian Cornish Mining Site of Burra was added to Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, acknowledging the international significance of the town’s stories and structures.
Rod and I met earlier this week with members of the consortium pursuing this listing and look forward to assisting in whatever way we can.
And just this year, Burra was named South Australia’s Top Tourism Town - a well-deserved honour that reflects
your town’s unique character, resilience and warm welcome.
In fact, it’s the resilience of your community - particularly in the face of challenges - that makes celebrations like this even more meaningful.
You remind us of the importance of gathering, of looking back with pride, and forward with hope.
Tomorrow, I look forward to officially launching the Town Parade, where Rod and I also have the honour - and difficult task - of judging the best float.
With more than 20 entries, we can already tell we are in for a difficult decision!
I thank the Regional Council of Goyder, and the many volunteers, performers and supporters who’ve brought this celebration to life.
A special thank you as well to the local and visiting musicians, and the SA Police Band for bringing joy to the night.
And to everyone here tonight - thank you for embracing the spirit of the evening.
You have shown that your community spirit is as enduring and strong as the metal that put Burra on the map.
Happy 180th Burra!
Here’s to many more ‘Back to Burra’ moments.