Speeches
Sunday, 14 November 2021
Multicultural Festival
It’s my pleasure to be with you today.
It’s wonderful to see that so many people have come out despite the weather to celebrate this event.
I applaud the acts we’ve had on stage and the activities already underway.
There’s a lot of more on the program for you to enjoy after these formalities.
Before my swearing-in as Governor last month, I had a long career in diplomacy, culminating in five years as the Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
It has been my great privilege to work in many different countries, including as Australia’s Ambassador to China, representing Australia’s interests and building our international relationships.
My experiences have given me an appreciation of Australia’s culturally diverse society, and the very successful multicultural community we have built, particularly here in South Australia.
As Governor, it is one of my key priorities to promote the many benefits of diversity and inclusion in our society.
This includes lending my voice and office to advancing reconciliation and the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
A relatively new term you may have heard in relation to multicultural societies is ‘interculturalism’.
It describes a dynamic inclusion of, and interaction between, all cultures in the community – from which all of society benefits.
This festival is the embodiment of this concept.
I thank each and every person involved in bringing today’s festival to the South Australian community.
You may be a dancer, a musician, be running a stall, preparing food - or volunteering in a myriad of other ways.
I commend you for your commitment to building genuine friendship, connection and understanding across the many different cultures represented in South Australian society.
I acknowledge Multicultural Affairs for coordinating this festival with ease and efficiency, bringing together more than 70 community groups showcasing 50 different cultures.
And of course I thank South Australians who have chosen to attend today and experience everything on offer.
I look forward to getting to know our state’s many multicultural communities during my term, and I wish you all a very enjoyable day.
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC
GOVERNOR OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA