Speeches
Sunday, 07 December 2025
Legacy Christmas Party
Welcome to Government House, everyone.
Rod, and I, as your patron, are pleased to host Legacy’s Christmas Party here in the grounds and are proud to support the work of Legacy throughout the year.
At Christmas, we eat too many treats, wrap and unwrap presents, are dazzled by the light displays, and find ourselves humming or singing along with Christmas songs.
We come together with family and friends and enjoy just being in each other’s company.
But when the people we love are no longer with us or are suffering, Christmas can be challenging.
To the young people here today, I recognise this season can be tough for you. The way you face it, with resilience, courage and hope, inspires us all.
I want to assure you that you are not alone. There are many people in the community, including Rod and me, who care about your welfare.
And there is Legacy, which has been caring for the families of Australian war veterans since post-World War I.
It is not just the people who serve in our Defence Force who make sacrifices for their country, it’s also their loved ones.
The support of Legacy for veterans’ families recognises this sacrifice and ensures they are not alone in challenging times.
Legacy wraps its arms around families when times are tough, providing support that helps people rebuild lives and hope for the future.
My thanks to Legacy for supporting 110 children and young people, and some 2,600 beneficiaries, across South Australia and Broken Hill.
Friends
I hope you all thoroughly enjoy today’s fun and festivities here in the magical Government House gardens.
There are more opportunities for everyone to enjoy these gardens at our monthly Lunch on the Lawns series.
Our next event is Friday, January 9 from noon until 2pm – I welcome you all to come back and bring your family and friends and a picnic.
You are all special visitors here today. Shortly, we will welcome another special visitor – someone you might know who likes to dress in red and has a long white beard …
In the meantime, enjoy your party and I wish each of you and your families a very Merry Christmas.