Speeches

Wednesday, 09 April 2025

Reception for AnglicareSA

I am pleased to welcome the AnglicareSA community to Government House.

As Governor, it is my privilege to witness the powerful work of a variety of not-for-profit organisations, uplifting some of South Australia’s most vulnerable people.

I see abundant evidence of a generosity of spirit amongst South Australian organisations, and their donors, in assisting people in need.

AnglicareSA is a well-known and highly regarded name in our state.

It’s also one of the oldest.

Although the name ‘Anglicare’ is more recent, the first Anglican charitable organisation in South Australia – a home for orphans, established by Julia Farr – dates back to 1860.

Today, AnglicareSA makes a positive difference to the lives of almost 50,000 South Australians every year.

As a practicing Anglican, I have long been aware of the considerable contribution Anglicare makes to the wellbeing of our state and nation.

I admire its steadfast commitment to advancing a vision of justice, respect and fullness of life for all.

Your comprehensive range of services, including Aged Care, Community Housing, Disability Services, Emergency Assistance and Child, Youth and Family support, means AnglicareSA is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact in the community and to drive positive and sustainable social change.

Given current cost of living and housing affordability, it could reasonably be argued that the work of AnglicareSA has never been more important.

This reception is an opportunity for me and for Anglicare’s leadership, to express our gratitude to the generous supporters present this evening.

Your contributions enable the organisation to broaden its reach and further enhance its impact within the community

I congratulate AnglicareSA on its achievements just this year, including:

Completing a new housing project development of 37 apartments in Mansfield Park and 23 apartments in Panorama;
Accelerating the rollout of a solar panel project which provides access to cheaper energy for community housing residents, resulting in savings of up to 15% on annual energy costs;
And continuing to expand autism-specific childcare services into outreach services.

I also thank AnglicareSA for its support of Pens for Poverty, a national writing competition for students which facilitates learning about poverty in South Australia and beyond.

This evening we have with us students from Pulteney Grammar School and Woodcroft College, who were national winners in their award categories. Congratulations to you.

Friends,

I thank the board, staff and volunteers of AnglicareSA for their work in bringing much-needed services to South Australians.

And I thank the generous supporters for providing the means to make this happen.

As the Anglicare motto says: together, we can change lives.