Speeches
Wednesday, 03 June 2026
David Roche Foundation 10th Anniversary Exhibition
Rod and I are always delighted to visit the David Roche Gallery, and particularly so today as we celebrate the Foundation’s 10th anniversary and launch this intriguing exhibition.
It is also my honour to walk in the footsteps of my predecessor, the Hon Hieu Van Le, who as Governor unveiled the first anniversary plaque on this date nine years ago.
This anniversary exhibition – and I will use the short form – Making Old New, brings together classical works of art from the gallery’s outstanding18th to early 20th Century European and British collections with contemporary interpretations by 20 South Australian artists associated with JamFactory.
The partnership honours David Roche’s enduring passion not only for exceptional art and design, but importantly also fosters creativity, innovation, and professional opportunity for today’s artists.
The exhibition invites us to reflect on the journey from the classical to the contemporary, on the way artists reinterpret the objects and ideas that we seek to preserve and admire.
Art, by its very nature is dynamic, evolves and challenges us to see the world differently. I am sure this exhibition will inspire much thought, conversation and reinterpretation.
The idea to bring together two of South Australia’s most distinctive arts icons is both innovative and bold.
It is a testament to the significant role each plays in positioning South Australia as a world class centre for arts, crafts, and design.
Just as Rod and I have been annual visitors to the David Roche Gallery, so I have made regular visits over the years to JamFactory, from its beginnings on Payneham Road.
JamFactory has come a long way since then to become recognised as Australia’s leading craft and design organisation.
Rod and I were pleased to host a 50th anniversary celebration for JamFactory at Government House in 2023.
When we think of the JamFactory, we think of South Australian artisan skill, quality, flair, and beauty.
Likewise at David Roche, we have a magnificent gallery, indeed a cultural treasure, to which people return time and time again to admire fine works and enjoy new exhibitions - 40 since inception attracting 70,000 visitors nationally and internationally.
Today we also mark the near completion of stage 1 of the capital redevelopment project which will further enhance the visitor experience for years to come.
I thank the Foundation for its vision and stewardship of David Roche’s cultural legacy and in doing so, wish you every success for the next 10 years and beyond.
In doing so, it gives me great pleasure to officially launch Making Old New: DRG 10th Anniversary exhibition.