Speeches
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Reception for Lions Children of Courage Awards
Rod and I warmly welcome you to Government House for the Lions Children of Courage Awards – especially those of you who have travelled from regional areas to be here.
If we added up all the award winners over the past 35 years, we would have a very impressive number.
And we would also have a very impressive variety of achievements, including:
- learning new skills
- stepping outside comfort zones
- and not giving up even when things are hard.
With the support of parents and grandparents, siblings, carers, teachers, health professionals, and organisations, all guiding and cheering you on from the sidelines – you haven’t let challenges get in your way.
Congratulations and well done.
I would like to mention one young recipient of a Children of Courage Award today – Alexander Piffl. I know his parents, Michael and Belinda and his brother, Thomas, are here today – welcome.
Rod and I met Alexander at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in March this year. He was battling a rare form of cancer and he impressed us with his bravery in difficult circumstances – and his TikTok dance routines!
When I contacted City of Adelaide Lions Club to nominate Alexander for an award, they quickly swung into action and, with Alexander’s family, we presented him with the award before he passed away in April.
This was such a meaningful ceremony and illustrated so poignantly the unique and valuable role these awards play.
Thank you to Michael, Belinda and Thomas for the privilege of getting to know Alexander, and thank you to the City of Adelaide Lions for providing a way to recognise Alexander’s bravery and strength.
Friends,
In 1989 when these awards were launched, something else important took place – the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child was adopted.
This international human rights treaty makes clear that children living with a disability have the right to:
- live with dignity and independence
- actively participate in the community, and
- have access to the right support to help them achieve these goals.
I commend all of you who support children living with disabilities to exercise their right to live full lives now, and in the future – particularly the City of Adelaide Lions Club.
Children,
Congratulations to our children of courage on your individual achievement.
While each of you has a different story and goal, what you have in common are some special qualities – like grit, determination and persistence.
You and your families can be very proud of your achievements.
Now that you have reached your goal of an award, I urge you to keep going and I look forward to seeing what you conquer next.