Speeches
Sunday, 28 December 2025
Proclamation Day Ceremony
Dearest Lynette, Jeffrey, Merle, Frank, Tamaru, Allan, Drew, Kaurna people and First Nations people from other lands and regions. I acknowledge and pay my respects to you all.
I also acknowledge Kaurna miyurna, the Kaurna people, as the traditional owners of this land, from the past, today and into the future.
- The Hon Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia
- Mrs Ashton Hurn, Leader of the Opposition
- Mr Stephen Patterson, Member for Morphett
- Ms Amanda Wilson, Her Worship the Mayor of Holdfast Bay and councillors
- Senior defence force and police representatives
- Members of the Pioneers Association
- Kaurna Elders
- Recipients of the Governor’s Civics Awards and their families
- Friends all.
Thank you to Drew Kilner for cleansing us and Allan Sumner for welcoming us to this place.
As we gather here in close proximity to Patha Yukuna, the bended gum, we are reminded of the beginnings of the province of South Australia.
The commemoration of the 189th Proclamation Day affords us the opportunity to reflect on the intentions of the settlers to create a new society - one based on fairness, opportunity and due regard for the First Australians.
These were not just noble ideas but were enshrined in the Letters Patent and the Proclamation itself, which Governors reaffirm each year, as I do today.
Sadly, we have not always lived up to the intent of these historical documents.
We haven’t always listened with inclusivity and respect to Aboriginal voices, and we are all poorer for it.
While there have been significant setbacks, there has also been progress towards a more inclusive and socially just society.
On Proclamation Day we have the opportunity to reflect on who we are as South Australians – where we have come from and where we are going.
In light of the attack on the Jewish community at Bondi Beach, two weeks ago today, this is also a time to think deeply about the kind of society we want as Australians.
As Governor, this is the fifth occasion I’ve had the honour of delivering an address at this ceremony.
It’s been my pleasure each Proclamation Day to reflect on my engagement with Kaurna and other First Nations peoples during the year.
Meaningful and sustained social change is a complex process.
From the outside, it can seem slow, and sometimes from the inside too. Inevitably, it faces setbacks.
Up close, however, I have gained a different perspective.
I am both impressed and heartened by the vast amount of work towards reconciliation in South Australia that I have witnessed, both this year and in previous years, slowly building collective momentum.
Significant activity is underway to celebrate Aboriginal culture, history, and contributions to contemporary society.
It is building bridges of understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous worldviews and helping to ensure that future generations of indigenous and non-indigenous South Australians continue moving us forward.
And it is happening right across our state, in metropolitan, regional and remote areas.
Some of the most inspiring engagements Rod and I have had this year have been in schools.
Schools are foundational in helping young people to appreciate their civic rights and responsibilities, including engendering and encouraging respect for First Nations people and cultures.
At Lady Gowrie Child Centre in Thebarton, Rod and I met with young children who have already been introduced to Kaurna culture.
They know the meanings of more Kaurna words than most adults and have some understanding of cultural practices, including in the centre’s beautiful garden, where they grow and use native plants.
At Investigator College in Victor Harbor, only a few weeks ago, the school captains gave an acknowledgement of country in the Ngarrindjeri language and in English.
I’m delighted by the growing collection of children’s books in indigenous languages I’ve been given by generous community members, and which are read in schools and libraries around our state.
This year it was also a privilege for Rod and me to bear witness: to stories, perspectives, service and milestones.
On Australia Day we again attended the Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony in Tarntanya Wama / Elder Park, listening to Kaurna perspectives on the foundation of our nation.
On Anzac Day, we again met at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander War Memorial on the banks of Karrawirraparri to acknowledge the Aboriginal men and women who served our country from the Boer War to the present day, and whose contributions have historically received little to no recognition. It is heartening to see this changing.
In November, at the invitation of Aunty Angelena Harradine, I joined Ngadjuri and non-Indigenous women in Watervale to share stories, personal experiences and take part in a healing ceremony.
The event commemorated the relationship between Ngadjuri women and then hotel licensee, Esther Greenslade, who 150 years ago shared bread and friendship in the nearby riverbeds.
It spoke to the deep connection between women through the ages.
In the APY Lands, Rod and I met with Aṉangu rangers, scientists and volunteers who are working to grow the population of the endangered Warru, or Black-Footed Rock Wallaby.
This is a community-led initiative, and one of our state’s most significant conservation projects.
Caring for country is something dear to us all.
Friends,
Rod and I have been grateful this year to engage with First Nations South Australians from many communities: Kaurna, Ngadjuri and Ngarrindjeri, mentioned already, as well as Nukunu, Kokatha, Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yangkunytjatjara
Narungga, Buandig and Adnyamathanha.
We have come to appreciate the conviction and dedication of their elders, senior leaders, emerging leaders and young people to progressing the many dimensions of reconciliation in our state.
These representatives work with schools and councils, such as the Kaurna with Holdfast Bay and Burnside City Councils and the Ngarrindjeri with the Rural City of Murray Bridge, as well as in the broader community.
All of the initiatives I have mentioned this morning have been created, driven or supported by dynamic First Nations people.
Their positivity, generosity, enthusiasm and skill are outstanding, and I have every confidence the impact of their work will continue growing across our state.
In 2026 I will continue to do all I can as Governor, with Rod at my side, to support these and other initiatives, making more room for indigenous people to share their perspectives, their stories and their points of view and for these to be listened to with respect, to be understood and to be learned from.
We all have the power to inform ourselves and to engage actively in the reconciliation conversation in our state.
This morning, we also celebrate the active citizenship of South Australian young people through the 2025 Governor’s Civics Awards.
Students, I trust that preparing your entries for the Governor’s Civics Awards has taught you about the privileges and responsibilities we have as Australian citizens, and I hope you are putting this knowledge into practice.
Service is the primary route by which most South Australians come to Government House, so if you continue your journey as active citizens, no doubt many of you will have reasons to visit in the years to come.
In conclusion I thank Mayor Wilson and the City of Holdfast Bay for hosting this ceremony each year with heart and purpose.
I look forward to working with you all in 2026, celebrating the work of First Nations and non-indigenous South Australians as we continue building a society based on truth-telling, harmony, and inspired action.
And a society where we can all live safely and peacefully.