Speeches
Tuesday, 03 February 2026
Reception for the Pacific Islands Council of South Australia
Rod and I warmly welcome you to Government House this evening to celebrate the work of the Pacific Islands Council of South Australia.
We’re pleased to have with us members of the Pacific Islander communities who have made South Australia home.
During my years as a diplomat, I had the privilege of visiting Pacific countries, and I have a deep affection for the region and its people.
One of the wonderful things about returning home to Adelaide, after 36 years away, was seeing Pacific Islander communities enriching our state with your cultures, your values, your faith, and your contributions.
The Pacific Islander Council of SA was founded on a profound principle: coming together to help others in times of need, initially to support the people of Vanuatu following Cyclone Pam in 2016.
That spirit of mutual support and community care - what in Tuvaluan culture is called ‘falepili’, meaning good neighbourliness and mutual respect - defines the work of this Council.
I thank the founders of the various Pacific Islander communities, which make up the Council, and its most recent members, the Tuvalu community, for their vision and their dedication to building something enduring.
These founders will be honoured with awards shortly.
Since its establishment, the Council has made a range of notable contributions.
These include advocating for Pacific Islanders with state and federal governments, supporting workers through the Pacific Labour Mobility program, fostering community cohesion, building capacity, and celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the Pacific Islands.
I note also your connection with the local Kaurna community, evidenced by the presence of Kaurna here this evening.
I was pleased to see some Council members on the Kaurna community float at the recent Adelaide Christmas Pageant, a public demonstration of Pacific and Aboriginal solidarity.
I am heartened by the Council’s resilience, its responsiveness to members' needs, and its commitment to ensuring that Pacific Islander communities thrive as vital contributors to our society.
I thank the Council’s management team and community leaders for their generous donation of time and energy.
You elevate voices that might otherwise not be heard, and you amplify the power of cooperation and understanding across cultures.
As volunteers, you generously donate your time and energy to your community, and Rod and I are grateful for your efforts.
I wish the Council well for the future, confident that your dedication to unity, empowerment, and mutual support will continue to forge new opportunities and deepen friendships for many years to come.
May the spirit of ‘falepili’ that brought you together continue to guide your work, strengthening bonds within the Pacific Islander community, and with the broader South Australian society.