Speeches
Wednesday, 10 September 2025
First Reception for Secondary School Leaders
Rod and I warmly welcome you all to Government House and we particularly welcome students who have travelled from country areas to be with us, including Victor Harbor, Gladstone, Loxton, Eudunda and Renmark.
This evening we gather to celebrate your leadership within your school communities and to recognise the efforts you are making as leaders, on top of your other commitments.
During our visits to schools across the state, Rod and I have had the pleasure of visiting a number of your schools and meeting some of you in person.
We have been deeply encouraged by your dedication to fostering cultures of inclusion and belonging within your schools.
Through these visits, we have witnessed student leaders encourage and support each other, as well as elevate voices that might otherwise go unheard.
You have demonstrated that leadership is not the sole responsibility of older leaders, such as principals, teachers, or community leaders. It is the responsibility of all of us.
When we speak with student leaders, we see how mindful you are of living in a rapidly changing, and increasingly digital, world.
We know you are also deep in thought about your own futures and potential paths after school.
All of these considerations create their own pressures alongside the demands of heavy study loads, competitive sport, perhaps a job, and other commitments, including, for some of you, caring responsibilities.
While extremely rewarding, your senior schooling can also be challenging, especially with leadership responsibilities.
We understand that these can weigh on your energy levels and frame of mind, and we thank you for continuing to step forward with remarkable devotion to your school communities.
As a diplomat and now as Governor, I have observed that leadership is fundamentally about how we listen to, influence and encourage others.
It’s also about taking action as part of a team, contributing ideas, and working persistently to create solutions that serve the common good.
I am confident the leadership skills you have developed will stand you in good stead throughout your careers and lives.
I encourage you to remain open to opportunities that may come from unexpected directions – they can take you along fulfilling and interesting paths.
As you look to the future, I think it is accurate to say that there have never been greater opportunities for school leavers in S3outh Australia to pursue careers where you can make a real difference.
From AUKUS and defence industry projects to renewable energy, space industry, medical research, and our vibrant arts sector, our state has a lot to offer.
By all means explore study and work opportunities interstate or overseas, especially while you are young.
Then, I strongly encourage you to consider Adelaide as the place you settle down and build your careers and families.
I also thank your teachers, families, and friends for their encouragement and support of your leadership aspirations.
Students, I am heartened by the potential of your voices, and your actions, to shape the future of our state.
Rod and I are confident you have the opportunity to do great things, and we wish you well for your final examinations and for the next phase of your journey ahead.