Speeches
Monday, 20 October 2025
Reception for 2025 Children’s Week Awards
I warmly welcome you all to Government House this morning.
It is Rod’s and my pleasure, as joint patrons of the Children’s Week Association of South Australia, to extend a particular welcome to our award winners and their families, along with members of the Children's Week community.
Today we have gathered to celebrate the presentation of the 2025 Children's Week Awards and to recognise the exceptional contributions of those who champion the rights and wellbeing of children across South Australia.
For 46 years, Children's Week has brought awareness to the rights and needs of children while celebrating the important role they play in our society.
This year's theme, drawn from Article 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - Everyone Should Know About Children's Rights - speaks directly to one of my priority areas as Governor: civics and citizenship.
When children's rights are honoured and observed, we lay a strong foundation for growing active citizens who understand that rights come with responsibilities, and that living in a democracy requires both awareness and engagement.
I am heartened by the dedication demonstrated by this year's award winners, whose endeavours span a wide range of activities: from advocating for safe and clean environments to creating spaces where children can learn, play, and thrive.
Each of you has made an important contribution to ensuring that children in our community have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
I welcome the fact that schools and organisations across South Australia, both in metropolitan areas and in rural communities, participate in Children's Week, providing families with opportunities to spend time together, learn new things, and explore what it means to be a young person in our state.
I am pleased to see that participation continues to grow, with numbers increasing from 10,000 to 12,000 children last year, a testament to the power of your collective efforts to elevate the voices of young people.
As Governor, I have the privilege with Rod of meeting children and young people at Government House and in schools across our state, and I am deeply encouraged by their curiosity, their ideas, and their commitment to shaping a better future.
The work you do to support them - to listen actively, to create safe spaces, and to help them understand their rights and responsibilities -leaves an indelible mark on our community.
I thank the Children's Week Executive and Committee for their commitment to this important work and for their dedication to ensuring that Children's Week remains a vibrant celebration that brings our community together.
I wish you all an enjoyable Children's Week and encourage you to continue championing the rights of children in everything you do.
May Children's Week continue to inspire generations of active, engaged, and compassionate citizens who understand that their voices matter and their contributions make a profo