Speeches
Friday, 17 November 2023
Reception for the presentation of the 2023 Churchill Fellows
Rod and I warmly welcome you to Government House to celebrate the achievements of Churchill Fellows who have completed their journeys of exploration across the world.
Completing a Churchill Fellowship is a significant achievement which requires resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to venture beyond the familiar.
Each of you has crossed boundaries – both geographical and intellectual – in search of solutions to challenges.
Rod and I were pleased to hear about some of the projects you have pursued, including leadership programs for volunteer firefighters, interpretative strategies in museums and art galleries, pursuing excellence in opera, and learning how to connect zoo visitors with nature.
The subjects you have explored, ranging from housing, stone letter carving, border protection, women’s safety, and seaweed production, are an indication of the breadth of your curiosity.
The range of countries you visited, which included Singapore, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, the US and Canada, reflect the global reach of your endeavours.
Your projects, while varied, embody the essence of Sir Winston Churchill’s belief that “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”.
The experiences and knowledge gained from your travels will enrich our collective understanding, foster connection, and create a foundation for collaboration.
You encourage others to seek to question and find answers to the challenges facing our community, whether local or global.
Your achievements are a reflection of collective effort, and I acknowledge the encouragement of your families, mentors, and friends – many of whom are here this morning - that have enabled your success.
Their encouragement and belief in your potential have undoubtedly been pivotal throughout your journey.
The Trust’s acceptance of your work speaks to the merit of your projects, the significance of your contributions to your fields, and the Fellowship’s legacy.
I thank members of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for its commitment to fostering leadership and the pursuit of knowledge through the Churchill Fellowship.
Whether it is through your time, or through financial assistance, your support helps shape the future by empowering individuals to pursue their passions and make a positive impact.
Congratulations to the Churchill Fellows on your accomplishments, and your commitment to the principles that Churchill held dear – leadership, courage, and the pursuit of a better future.
May your journeys continue to be a source of inspiration and may the impact of your work echo well beyond South Australia.