Speeches
Thursday, 09 October 2025
Reception for 40 Under 40 Finalists
I warmly welcome you all to Government House to celebrate the finalists of the 2025 Solstice Media 40 Under 40.
Today we gather to recognise exceptional young South Australians – all of you - who are shaping the future of our state through your entrepreneurial vision, determination and leadership.
As Governor, I am privileged to meet South Australians working across traditional business as well as highly entrepreneurial endeavours.
I am inspired by the talent and ambition I see in our state, especially among our young adult population.
I see firsthand the important contribution entrepreneurs make to our economy, to innovation, and to our culture.
As finalists, you are now part of an alumni network 320 people strong.
I encourage you to use these connections to benefit your work and your broader industries – the networks you build among your peers are as valuable as any business plan.
In June this year, I was pleased to host a public conversation here in the ballroom with Eloise Hall, Co-Founder of TABOO Period Products, and Ben Colley, General Manager of Stone and Chalk - both no doubt known to many of you.
One of the most important things they discussed – and of keenest interest to high school students in the audience - was failure and resilience – that failure is an inherent part of the learning process, and that successful entrepreneurs learn to accept it and even welcome it as a teacher.
The entrepreneurial journey demands not just vision but extraordinary resilience, and I am heartened by your ability to persist through setbacks and challenges.
While 40 is young, you are already capable of encouraging even younger South Australians, including secondary and tertiary students, to pursue their own entrepreneurial interests.
One of the most useful things you could do for South Australia is to find time to encourage young people to follow their interests and take entrepreneurial risks.
Don’t underestimate the impact you might have!
I note that this year's program received 444 nominations, representing a remarkable 48% increase from 2024.
This growth speaks to the strength of entrepreneurial ambition in South Australia and the importance of programs like 40 Under 40 in elevating voices and building our state's reputation as a home of innovation and technological advancement.
I thank Solstice Media for presenting the 40 Under 40 awards, now in their ninth year, and I am grateful to the founding partners, gold partners, judges, sponsors and supporters who make this program possible.
To our finalists: thank you all for working to build strong careers for yourselves, flourishing businesses to employ South Australians, and for having the courage to take risks that will forge new opportunities for our state.
I wish you resilience for the challenges ahead, wisdom to learn from setbacks, and the determination to keep pushing boundaries.
South Australia's entrepreneurial future is in strong hands!