Speeches
Tuesday, 27 May 2025
Reception for the Royal Geographical Society of SA Awards
Rod and I as joint patrons of the Royal Geographical Society of SA, warmly welcome you to Government House, in this the 140th year of the society.
It is our pleasure to have presented these awards for several years now, and wonderful that we do so today for the first time in the ballroom here at Government House.
We wholeheartedly congratulate the award winners on your interest, and undoubted expertise, in the field of geography.
Geography provides a perspective through which to view our world, our environments and the interactions between people and places.
It enables us to understand our world, the interrelationships that sustain it, and the impact we have on it.
Even here at Government House, the seven hectares where we meet has evolved over time, in all aspects of its geography.
We stand on the ancient lands of the Kaurna people, a land of river red gums and kangaroos. European settlers chose this as a place for the Governor, the symbol of the highest authority in the land and our democracy.
Subsequent Governors made their mark: extending the buildings, putting in sweeping lawns for ceremonies; planting a pine propagated from the lone pine at Gallipoli, and growing plants from various regions.
Rod and I have been pleased to put our own stamp in our own small way on Government House and its grounds.
We have set aside an area in the northern area to rewild the area with native trees and shrubs which are attracting more native birdlife and wildlife.
To mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, a stand of wattles was planted.
Inside Government House borne out of Rod’s love of science, we have a new display putting a spotlight on our State’s rich geological and fossil history.
The art collection promotes Aboriginal art alongside more modern art and historical paintings, including the original painting of the Proclamation of our State at the East Entrance.
You are welcome to wander later and see them throughout the House.
Friends.
I congratulate those who have won awards on your outstanding efforts, and I encourage you to continue your interest in this field of study.
Because it is about us. It is about our world and our stewardship of it. Geography equips us to question how we interact with the world and how we can preserve, sustain and improve it.
Your curiosity and skills will stand you in good stead, no matter where the future takes you.
I thank the Society for its work over the past 140 years for promoting the advancement of geographical science and more recently for a major refurbishment of the library, establishing the GeoNet gateway, and running an active and diverse program of lectures, book discussions and field trips.
I must say how much I genuinely enjoy receiving and reading the newsletter, particularly the summaries of some fascinating lectures.
I thank the officer bearers and volunteers past and present who over the past 140 years have been the lifeblood of the Society and for its stewardship of these awards.
The society has always been at the forefront of encouraging and sponsoring exploration of our land, and in investing in our young people such as through these awards, you continue the quest for knowledge.
Our community can only benefit by your doing so.
Again, congratulations to the winners.