Speeches
Saturday, 26 April 2025
Official Opening of the 2025 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival
Rod and I are delighted to be part of these vibrant celebrations.
To be here at Goolwa, on the wharf, with so many people enjoying the river and the boats, makes it immediately clear that this is a memorable event, and why people come back to it time and time again.
More than just an enjoyable day out, though, the festival connects us with the region’s riverine and maritime history.
And we are reminded that boats have been essential for food gathering, transport and industry since humans first occupied this ancient land. It is not at all surprising that this land and these waters have great cultural significant to the Ngarrindjeri People.
I’ve been coming to Goolwa all my life and well remember as a teenager sailing with my father in his trailer‑sailer in the 1970s.
It was a wonderful time on the water, either discussing the joys of boating or just spending the time in companionable silence.
It’s been almost three years since Rod and I were pleased to undertake an official visit to the Alexandrina Council and were briefed on the wharf project. I am delighted now to see the impressive result.
I particularly congratulate the Council on the level of community consultation that took place during the project, especially in respect of public artwork such as the Hearthstone project for which emerging artists Amber Cronin and Anika Gardner, in collaboration with Cedric Varcoe, were the recipients of the Helpmann Academy Major Public Art Commission.
I understand the artists spent much time consulting with a wide cross section of the Goolwa community from local residents to business owners and Ngarrindjeri community representatives.
Their three installations encourage us to connect with the stories of family, people and place.
I encourage everyone to view them, as well as the storytelling exhibition Yuntulun Ku:li-war within Signal Point.
Friends
I thank the Alexandrina Council and the Organising Committee and all the volunteers for your dedication and commitment to ensuring the success of this project and this event.
The waters here beckon us to enjoy but also encourage us to reflect on how they have defined, shaped, and evolved this region.
Rod and I look forward to joining the Mayor and others on a cruise shortly.
And to that end it is with the greatest of pleasure that I declare the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival open.