Speeches

Monday, 23 October 2023

Queen Victoria Auxiliary Fundraising Event

---

I am very pleased to join you today at the Mount Osmond Golf Club, at today’s morning tea in support of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

I thank all members of the Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, especially members of the Queen Victoria Auxiliary, for your presence today and for your tireless work raising funds.

I was impressed to learn the Auxiliary has donated more than $200,000 to buy medical equipment for the Womens and Babies division of the hospital.

Those former nurses among you would appreciate keenly the positive impact these funds have had on the hospital’s ability to achieve the best outcomes for women and children in its care.

For those of you who have visited Government House, you may be aware of the strong presence of Queen Victoria in our public rooms.

There is a majestic portrait of her in the Ballroom, and a signed sepia photograph in the library.

I offer feel as though I am conducting my vice regal duties under her wise and watchful eye!

You may be aware, also, that the first Royal visitor to Government House was His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, son of Queen Victoria, in 1867.

It was my privilege and pleasure, earlier this year, to travel to London to attend the Coronation of His Majesty and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey, along with the Governor General, Prime Minister, and my fellow State Governors.

It was a magnificent ceremony steeped in tradition, but not limited by it, which brought together those who served nations and communities.

All felt included, whatever their nationality or faith.

I was honoured to be able to speak to His Majesty at a reception he hosted at Buckingham Palace on the eve of the Coronation, where I conveyed the congratulations of all South Australians.

Friends,

Today I have been asked to speak about my life, and I thank you for your interest in my personal journey, my career as a diplomat and now role as Governor.

Friends,

Thank you once again for the kind invitation to share my story with you today.

I wish the Auxiliary, and all the Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, a bright and busy future raising funds to support the health and wellbeing of South Australian women and children for generations to come.