Speeches
Thursday, 29 May 2025
Reception for the presentation of the Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarships
Rod and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House for the presentation of the Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarships and Chief Executive Reconciliation Awards.
By any measure, Dame Roma was an outstanding South Australian who set many firsts: the first female judge, the first female Governor, the first female university chancellor,.
She dedicated her life to social justice, community development and the advancement of the rights of Aboriginal people.
As Governor, Dame Roma lived and worked here at Government House and a statue in her honour stands proudly on North Terrace near the main gate - you may have seen it as you came here today.
Later, when you are welcome to view the various rooms, I hope you will stop and look at the photographs of the various Governors near the main staircase and take time to spot Dame Roma and notice the warmth in her portrait photograph.
Her legacy means you are here today to receive these awards to which she was proud to lend her well respected name.
She knew well the power of education and how it can lead to opportunity and pathways to a bright future.
When Dame Roma was four, her father died fighting in World War I in France. That left her mother to bring up two daughters with not very much.
But she was determined Dame Roma and her sister would have a good education and encouraged them to strive to go to university. Because education is a solid building block.
The scholarships and awards to be presented today are one way in which you can further your academic and career goals by completing SACE and then eventually go on to a career which interests you.
Your own aspirations are varied, but there are certain attributes that are common to you all: ambition, leadership, hard-working, determination, enthusiasm.
These will stand you in good stead wherever the future leads you.
As Rod and I travel the State, and engage with Aboriginal young people and organisations, we know the pride evident in their heritage and a willingness to share their culture and learnings.
As Governor, I hope that I can encourage others to walk alongside our first Australians as we chart a future that provides opportunity for everyone.
Friends
I congratulate the Education Department on its stewardship of these scholarships over the past 32 years and its encouragement of students to become proud and confident learners.
Congratulations to the students, as well as to the families, carers, and the communities who care and want to encourage our young people to shine.
Before closing, and with permission, I would also like to pay tribute to the late Mr Brian Butler, a man of Aranda and Luritja decent who passed away late last year.
He dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of Aboriginal Australians across education and health and was a longtime Patron of the Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarships.
His legacy will inspire future generations.
Generations such as yourselves.
Young people such as you. Congratulations and best wishes for the future.