Speeches
Friday, 27 March 2026
Minlaton 150 Gala Evening
Rod and I are delighted to be with you all tonight to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the township of Minlaton.
In doing so, we also recognise that the history of this region extends far beyond 150 years and acknowledge the enduring connection of the Narungga people with Minlacowie, or “sweet water”.
In celebrating such a milestone, we reflect on the resilience, self-reliance, community spirit, enterprise and leadership that is deep within the heart of rural towns and regions.
Generations of families have built this region and hold deep ancestral ties to the area. Others have chosen Minlaton as their home more recently, bringing new skills, energy, and perspectives.
Together, heritage and renewal strengthen the regional communities that are vital to the State’s identity, economy, and social fabric.
As a visitor to Minlaton while growing up in South Australia, I saw the barley and wheat fields and learned of your moniker as the barley capital of the world. I visited the town as a tourist because of its position as a hub for lower Yorkes.
As a child I learned of Harry Butler and his Red Devil plane. His story of being the first person in the Southern Hemisphere to take flight over water to carry out a mail delivery is testament to the pioneering spirit of this region.
It is just one example of regional ambition with national significance.
Returning as Governor a few years ago, I more deeply experienced the community spirit and pride the community has built for the town.
I have walked the main street and experienced the charm of stone buildings and wide verandas but also the warmth and charm of the people.
I have enjoyed chat and a cuppa – there’s no chat without a cuppa - at Ye Olde Café with then Mayor Darren Braund and Council CEO Andrew Cameron.
At the Minlaton District School, the staff and students displayed a sense of involvement in their community.
At the Watsacowie Brewing company I was impressed by the enthusiasm of owners Brendan and Roxanne Phasey alongside head brewer Drew Coleman who are harnessing local ingredients to produce a popular product and enhance the visitor experience.
At the Southern Yorke Peninsula Community Childcare centre, I saw the community responding to a local need.
And in my second visit as Governor, just today, I can attest that the new cabins at the Minlaton Caravan Park are pretty swish, and Rod and I are looking forward to our overnight stay there.
I share my impressions of Minlaton in the spirit of recognising that people build communities and have been doing so over 150 years.
I need look no further than my Aide, Bronwyn Jolly, one of the Fraser girls, who grew up on a farm outside Minlaton.
Through Bronny I know of the deep pride held by multi-generational families of farmers, of business people, of tradespeople, of entrepreneurs, of service providers, of volunteers who have helped shaped the town to make it what it is today and what it can become tomorrow.
This was evident when the new sports and community club was created with volunteers banding together to paint the walls and landscape the grounds, providing a place to gather after football and netball.
Friends
Like many rural towns, Minlaton is not as big as it once was as, like Bronny, chldren grow up and move to the city and other places.
But a part of the heart always remains in Minlaton.
Today I know that the algal bloom and now pressures on fuel supplies and prices stemming from the war in the Middle East are having an impact on Yorkes and local businesses.
But with its position as a service centre for the “boot” of the southern Yorke Peninsula I have every confidence that the Minlaton community will respond because you care for and support each other.
Through Bronny - and because her mother and godmother are on the anniversary committee - I know that the 150th celebrations have been in the planning for three years and now they’re here!
Clearly, an extraordinary amount of work has been undertaken by the volunteers because celebrating moments, memories and milestones call for vision and dedication.
Through you, Tarsh, I congratulate your committee and your community.
I thank you all for your hard work and commitment in producing a three-day event that will be a marker of memories for the next 150 years.
It promises to be a jam-packed weekend and I’m looking forward unveiling a plaque at the commemorative tree planting at the western end of Fourth Street tomorrow.
But tonight, it give me great pleasure officially to declare the Minlaton 150 celebrations open.
Enjoy!