Speeches
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Flinders Futures: Alumni Voices, Student Opportunities
It is a great pleasure to be with you for the Flinders Future event.
As a former Australian Ambassador to China, and now as Governor of South Australia, I have first-hand knowledge of the ties that education has created between us.
Thank you to the alumni and students who have just shared their reflections with us, and particularly for your openness and generosity.
Your descriptions of your studies, your career pathways and experiences across cultures were very powerful.
Flinders University celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, and I thank the university for convening this distinguished community of educators, alumni and partners, united by a shared conviction in education’s power to connect people, ideas and opportunity.
In addition to academic and professional contributions, Chinese students add deep and lasting value to South Australia’s social, economic, and cultural life.
We are pleased to welcome Chinese students to South Australia, and to Flinders University.
They enrich workplaces with global perspectives, strengthen community connections, and help shape the state’s cultural landscape through the arts, music and festivals - building understanding, familiarity and trust between our communities in South Australia and China.
One such example is Flinders alumna Grace Liu, originally from Yunnan, who is now a filmmaker and co‑founder of Adelaide‑based Take Two Media.1
Her creative work and mentorship of emerging graduates exemplify how international alumni help to build our creative industries and strengthen enduring links.
As Governor of South Australia, I have the privilege of representing a state that places education at the centre of its future.
South Australia is home to world‑class universities, globally connected research institutes, and industries creating more jobs in health and medical sciences, engineering, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and emerging technologies.
International education is integral to this ecosystem and is central to South Australia’s vibrancy and prosperity.
At Flinders University, students do more than study - they are partners.
They participate in industry‑linked projects, undertake research with global relevance, and gain practical experience that strengthens their employability.
This creates clear pathways into professional careers - whether in Australia, China, or internationally - and strengthens the growing network of globally connected Flinders graduates.
These are real outcomes: skills, employment, enterprise and impact.
Flinders is ranked number one in South Australia for full‑time employment outcomes for postgraduate students, and number one in the state for graduate salary and skills development.
It also ranks number one nationally for full‑time employment outcomes in science, and number one in Australia for teaching quality in medicine and psychology, disciplines closely aligned with China’s workforce priorities in health, science, technology and innovation.
These outcomes reflect strong industry partnerships, work‑integrated learning, and a clear focus on job‑ready graduates.
These outcomes are shaped in part by place.
Adelaide is a city designed for learning. It is compact, safe and affordable, with universities, research precincts and industry partners close to one another.
The ease of everyday life allows students to spend less time commuting, and more time focusing on study, work and community engagement.
Adelaide is also a culturally rich city - a festival capital and a UNESCO Creative City of Music.
It is recognised as Australia’s first National Park City, with beautiful beaches, parklands, wildlife and nature close by, offering a healthy and balanced lifestyle that is highly valued by students and families.
Through Flinders' very own International Student Services team, and StudyAdelaide, international students are supported academically, socially and professionally, including through employability programs and community connections beyond the classroom.
Friends,
This Flinders Futures event is not only a reflection on past achievement. It’s a statement of intent.
It signals Flinders University’s confidence and investment in the future of South Australia’s and China’s education cooperation.
It reinforces the role of universities as bridges: connecting nations through knowledge, talent and ideas.
Flinders builds relationships which last, such as its 25-year partnership with Nankai University.
This partnership has produced an alumni network of over 10,000 individuals, equipped with the skills and experience to succeed in a competitive global workforce.
I thank the educators and partners who continue to invest in these relationships.
I commend Flinders University and its Chinese partners, in particular Nankai University, for their sustained engagement and commitment to delivering education and research outcomes with real‑world impact.