Speeches
Wednesday, 30 July 2025
Gowrie SA 85th Anniversary afternoon tea
Rod and I are delighted to be here at the Lady Gowrie Child Centre to mark a significant milestone.
By any measure, an 85th anniversary is worthy of celebration - as we do today.
I am also delighted to add a Vice Regal touch to the occasion, in recognition that the founder, Lady Zara Gowrie, was the wife of Brigadier The Honourable Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven, the first Earl of Gowrie, who served as Governor of South Australia, Governor of NSW and Governor-General of Australia.
Today we honour Lady Gowrie’s legacy and her work in promoting the welfare of children and the founding of these centres in Australia between the two World Wars.
Of course, any building is much more than its bricks and walls. What happens inside and around them matters deeply because through the centre’s programs we can help shape a community.
Over the past 85 years, the wider Gowrie SA has grown and developed to respond to changing needs, as our community has changed.
But always at its heart has been the nurturing of our children and the support of families. Because families in all their forms are our strength. Within families we first learn about our world.
Strong and nurturing families enable strong and nurturing communities.
As the parents of four now adult children, Rod and I
know the feeling of not always having the answers at our fingertips.
In that regard, I thank the Gowrie SA community for your dedication to providing innovative early childhood parenting programs which prioritise the wellbeing of children and families.
You give confidence and empower opportunity. You advocate and integrate health, education and professional development programs.
Friends.
We live in a diverse community, where people’s experiences, cultures and contributions make Australia what we are.
I applaud your commitment to inclusivity and congratulate you on your First Nations reconciliation plans, being one of the first early childhood sites in Australia in 2011 to create a Reconciliation Action Plan.
I understand you have now launched your third Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan.
Through knowledge and examining how we as individuals and organisations can make change, we engender respect for one another.
To the students, I hope you continue to enjoy learning and playing here and will embrace the friendships you have made, and the ideas you have formed, well into the future.
To everyone past and present who has contributed to the 85 years of the Centre – the staff, leaders, families, supporters and children - thank you for your dedication and commitment.
Happy 85th anniversary and may the future for our children and families continue to be “community driven and inclusive”.