Speeches
Thursday, 20 November 2025
Presentation of the 2026 Senior South Australian of the Year Awards
Rod and I, as patron of the Australia Day Council of South Australia, are delighted to welcome you all to Government House.
Sometimes, when we are visiting schools or schools visit us, students ask, ‘What does a patron actually do?’
I say that being a patron is about supporting people and organisations, on their special days, days of celebration, and, sometimes, when things don’t quite go according to plan.
Today, we have a bit of both – but ending up very firmly on the side of the good times.
The Australian of the Year Awards, which include the Senior Australian of the Year category, celebrate those whose contributions make a profound difference to lives, communities, and society.
The awards honour lifelong commitment, achievement, and the inspiration each recipient provides.
Malcolm Benoy and James Currie reflect these qualities perfectly.
And having two winners in the same category demonstrates the strength of South Australia’s nominees.
Their recognition shows the depth of talent in our state, the contributions South Australians make locally, nationally, and globally, and the inspiration they provide to their communities.
Though Malcolm Benoy and James Currie’s work in very different fields, they each demonstrate extraordinary dedication and impact.
Celebrating them together reflects the excellence, generosity, and lasting influence that South Australians bring to everything they do.
I thank James and Mac for their achievements, and congratulate them on being honoured as South Australia’s Senior Australians of the Year for 2026.
This ceremony gives us the opportunity to honour them both properly and acknowledge the impact of their work.
Mac has - as I think we all know - already been presented with his award, which we have with us, but I will nonetheless ask the Official Secretary to read his citation.
After that the Official Secretary will read James’s citation and I will present him with his award.