Speeches
Tuesday, 15 September 2026
City of West Torrens Civic Award Presentation
Rod and I are pleased to join you at this evening’s council meeting.
I am grateful to the City of West Torrens for this award. I thank Mayor Michael Coxon, elected members, Council staff and the community they represent for the warmth of this welcome.
As Governor, I’ve enjoyed my engagement with the West Torrens community throughout my term, particularly the day Rod and I spent last year exploring the city on an official visit, accompanied by the Mayor and CEO.
A number of our patronages are based within this council area, among them Surf Life Saving SA, the South Australian Sea Rescue Squadron, Netball SA, Athletics SA, Zahra Foundation, Royal Flying Doctor Service and the TPI Association, each making an important contribution to the life of our state and to the wellbeing of the people it serves.
These engagements have brought me into contact with people across many aspects of community life, from business and sport to veterans, lifesaving, volunteering and service.
I have been struck by the strong culture of service I have encountered here, from presenting National Service Medals at the South Australian Sea Rescue Squadron to laying a wreath at the West Torrens War Memorial only last month for the Malaya and Borneo Veterans Day Service of Commemoration.
I’ve been impressed by the calibre of sports events held in your region, such as the Women’s Australian Open, which Rod and I attended in March.
Rod and I have also been pleased to visit a range of schools in your Council area to speak with student leaders about civics and citizenship, and have welcomed a number of these schools to Government House for tours.
Everything I have witnessed in these interactions has reinforced my view that the strength of any community is found, ultimately, in its people: those who volunteer, who support their neighbours, who take part in local organisations and who give their time so that others might have a better life.
As Governor, I recognise the important contribution local government makes in creating the places, opportunities and connections through which communities thrive, and in understanding the aspirations of the people it serves.
West Torrens has a long history. I trust you are all proud of the diverse, energetic and connected metropolitan community it is today, with a deep sense of local identity, as well as a strong reputation within our capital city.
I encourage the people of West Torrens to continue building on this strong tradition of participation and service, particularly by creating opportunities for young people and by ensuring that everyone feels they belong and can contribute.
Communities that look after one another are the ones best placed to flourish, and West Torrens has shown itself, time and again, to be such a community.
While I accept this award personally, I see it as an honour shared with the many people of West Torrens whose generosity, commitment and community spirit make this such a special part of South Australia.
I wish the City of West Torrens all the best for the future.