Speeches
Wednesday, 04 March 2026
Fringe Supporters Reception
Rod and I warmly welcome you to Government House.
Well, it’s Adelaide Fringe and festival time again, and what a great time to be in South Australia!
I should perhaps qualify that by saying that it’s aways a great time to be in South Australia - but especially now!
Tonight, I’m hosting and addressing you as Governor, but at this time of the year, Rod and I prefer to be known as Fringe and Festival Fans.
We’ve been hitting the Fringe since it’s pre-opening, including with family visiting from the UK, and interstate, and have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Like the many hundreds of thousands of patrons, collectively buying over a million tickets, at the Fringe we are bedazzled, we laugh, we gasp, we are challenged, we are taken outside our comfort zones.
As well as enjoying well-known local and international artists, we see emerging artists testing their creativity, honing their craft, building their careers.
We have 30 shows booked and I suspect that word of mouth will see us add a few more, particularly with the Courtyard of Curiosities just across the way from Government House.
At this time of the year, there is a discernible buzz in Adelaide, especially in the East End and Rymill and King Rodney Parks, but also in all the suburban and country venues that are hosting Fringe events.
In that regard, I am delighted to see that regional and suburban venue participation has increased substantially.
I know that audiences appreciate being able to go to performances in their local suburb or regional town, indeed in some cases this is the only way they can participate.
I want not only to thank Fringe management, but local councils and all the venues concerned for their support in making this happen.
I only recently learned that in earlier days of the Fringe there was concern that Fringe events would take patrons away from other venues like pubs and clubs.
The Fringe responded creatively and to everyone’s benefit by putting shows in those venues; and now there are more than 500 venues that that take part each year, each one adding its own dimension as a setting for the artistry.
This year there are a number of venues celebrating milestones within the Fringe: The Garage International has been participating for 30 years, followed closely by the Garden of Unearthly Delights, Gluttony and Rhino Room.
I must also acknowledge The Jade, in their final year of involvement.
Each venue adds its own ambience and its own character. Each is much more than a just a space; it’s a place to come.
I know you participate against the challenges of rising costs and other pressures. I thank you for your resilience: I think it is fair to say that your participation is an essential part of the Fringe DNA.
You quite literally open your doors – and stages – to make the Fringe possible.
Friends, Rod and I wish the festival and venues all the best for the 2026 Fringe.
And if you see us out and about, as we will be - don’t forget to come and say hello!