Speeches
Thursday, 19 February 2026
Reception for Governor’s Civics Awards
Rod and I warmly welcome you all to Government House for this reception to acknowledge recipients of the Governor’s Civics Awards.
On 28 December last year, Proclamation Day, I had the pleasure of presenting most of the primary school awardees with their medallions at the Old Gum Tree in Glenelg.
This afternoon, we celebrate the winners of other award categories, mostly secondary school students, as well as winners in the Group and Schools categories.
Congratulations to you all!
Your presence today is testament to your outstanding entries, and I hope you are all proud of your efforts.
I am heartened by your deep understanding of your civic privileges and responsibilities, as demonstrated by your award entries, and your enthusiasm for taking an active role in our democracy.
As citizens, there are always ways for us to advocate for the world we want to live in.
We can be powerful, especially when we work together with others towards a common cause. One example is voting.
I am sure that you know that, on the 21st of March, we will have a state election here in South Australia.
While our award recipients who completed SACE last year may be old enough to vote, most of you won’t be yet. However, I still encourage you pay to attention to what is happening.
After all, it won’t be long before you’ll be voting too, especially the senior students with us today.
Research the candidates, find out what they stand for. Find who best aligns with your values and how you want to see our state develop.
Know what you need to do to cast a valid ballot, to give effect to your voting intentions.
Even if you can’t vote yet, if there’s something in your local community you want to change, write to your local member about it, with a suggestion.
It’s our politicians’ responsibility to represent the interests of their constituents, which includes you and your family.
Prospect North Primary School students understand this well now, after taking part in a Student Parliament as part of their winning entry in these awards.
In this year’s award entries I was also pleased to see a strong level of engagement paired with taking practical action.
For example, students at Norwood Primary School created a ‘Friend-o-leader’ team, where they volunteered to help younger students feel safer and happier in the school yard, and supported them to get along better.
It was great to see older students exploring various facets of our democracy, such as the current voting age, the need for voting education, and some of our community’s greatest strengths, such as its cultural diversity.
Students shared astute views on challenging issues facing society, such as the cost of housing, work hours and the prospect of a 4 day work week, and men’s mental health – among others.
I congratulate students on the depth and breadth of their entries.
I encourage you all to find further ways to be active citizens and support your communities. There are endless opportunities when you go looking!
Students, friends,
Entries for the 2026 awards open at the beginning of term 2.
I encourage everyone – teachers, students, parents – to spread the word about the awards, and if you would like, and are old enough, to follow me on Instagram and Facebook @governorsouthaustralia.
Much of what I post highlights active and engaged citizenship in all its many forms.
Principals and teachers, thank you for taking the time to learn about the awards and build them into your civics curriculum.
Students, congratulations once again on receiving a 2025 award.
Parents, thank you for your support.
To Aaron Harrison and his colleagues at the Department for Education, and to the judging panel, a huge thank you.
Service is the primary route by which most South Australians visit Government House, and if you continue your journey as active citizens, no doubt many of you will make further visits in the years to come.
I look forward to seeing you next time!