Speeches
Monday, 29 September 2025
Reception for UNESCO Clubs Adelaide Chapter Awards
As joint patrons of UNESCO Clubs Adelaide Chapter, Rod and I warmly welcome you to Government House for these special awards.
We are delighted to be hosting here in Government House after being generously welcomed into Rosemary’s home for the awards last year.
The mission of UNESCO is to promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.
This evening, we recognise five people who exemplify this mission in their work and lives:
Ms Natalie Badcock, Mr Brian Chatterton, Professor Stephen Muecke, Ms April Lawrie, and Dr Michael Brisco.
Their contributions are diverse, but they are linked by a passion to lift up their communities, by supporting young people and their teachers to be informed and active members of our democracy;
enriching lives by promoting and sharing the beauty of music; championing the translations and preservation of Indigenous languages, cultures, stories and histories; advocating for the rights, development and wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people and supporting them to realise their potential as future leaders; spreading hope and building community by restoring and gifting unwanted bikes to refugees in need of transport.
Thank you to these five award recipients for all you do.
You demonstrate that individual action can have powerful impact in making change. You also attest to the power of following your passion – it shines through your achievements.
There’s a well-worn saying: ‘Be the change you want to see.’ To that we can add: ‘While doing something you are passionate about.’
It also describes the work of the UNESCO Clubs Adelaide Chapter.
Led by Helen, you volunteer your time and give generously to promote values and activities that make our communities better.
This Chapter is a long-standing mission for many of you, including the original members who have served for 22 years.
While UNESCO Clubs Chapters interstate have faded from the scene, the Adelaide group continues, sustained by your collective passion for the UNESCO aims.
Rod and I are delighted to hear you are welcoming two new members who can help carry this chapter into the future: Alison Milisits, daughter of Rosemary and Vili, and her friend, Natalie Edwards.
Congratulations, and thank you for giving your time and energy to UNESCO Clubs Adelaide Chapter.
Be assured you will be making a difference through your membership.
Over the past year, the Adelaide Chapter has supported South Australian girls and young women to develop leadership skills through the Girl Guides.
It also supported Mary Ward International to help young women in developing countries complete nursing studies.
One of the other ways you make impact is by promoting learning for others and yourselves.
I understand in the past year, you have discovered the history of women’s suffrage in SA at the Parliament, listened to a Holocaust survivor share his story, and, in November you are visiting a recycling depot to find out more about our commitment to sustainable packaging.
By taking time to listen, explore and understand, you are living the UNESCO values and contributing to an educated, culturally rich, scientifically advanced, and well-informed world.
Friends,
None of this would be possible without the efforts of Helen Rice and the committee. Rod and I also thank the generous supporters, volunteers, and partners.
Congratulations to the award winners. Your efforts are contributing to a world where equality, fairness, knowledge and culture are valued and practiced.