Speeches
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Reception for Young Citizen of the Year Recipients
It is a pleasure to be with you as Patron of the Australia Day Council South Australia – with Rod - and to have the opportunity to meet so many young people who are engaged with their local communities and who have been recognised for doing so.
We sincerely thank those who have travelled from regional and remote communities to be here. Your commitment to making the journey reflects the passion and dedication you bring to your communities every day.
I know you come from different places and that you have differing perspectives, experiences, interests, and ambitions.
Yet here we all are meeting others who share a similar sense of purpose; purpose which can be a powerful catalyst for growth and change.
Ultimately, leadership asks you to be uncomfortable, curious and courageous, themes that you explored in the Young Citizens Leadership forum.
Building on that concept, your generation now has the opportunity to harness those qualities to shape our future.
This is because national and even international change can begin with individuals taking action locally.
As you have come to know, leadership is not really about titles and nor is it demonstrated through a long list of achievements.
It is also not defined by age.
Leadership is demonstrated through service, through initiative, through kindness, and commitment, all of which you have already shown.
Leadership manifests itself when someone recognises that something needs to be done and then acts with purpose.
The forum explored the theme get comfortable being uncomfortable and I hope you gained much from taking part.
It’s a simple formulation that contains an important message: Change rarely happens when people sit tight in their comfort zone.
Change means taking risks, embracing challenges, considering new ways of doing things and collaborating with others.
In our world, change really is a constant.
One of Australia’s great strengths is the diversity of our people.
Our First Nations people, our diverse cultures, our rural and urban communities strengthen the place we all call home.
As young people you are navigating a world of enormous change – technological, economic, social and environmental.
Your voices will be vital in determining what comes next in areas such as AI, new and emerging industries, protecting our environment, climate change, and ensuring that as we move forward, we leave no-one behind.
I hope you have taken away from the forum fresh perspectives, new connections, practical insights and renewed inspiration - alongside the courage and confidence to turn new ideas into action and ultimately explore what should come next.
I encourage you to grasp opportunities and discover strengths you did not realise you have deep within you.
That might be to ask the question: Can we do this differently?
That might be to reach out to those who are struggling.
That might be to look for answers when solutions aren’t yet obvious. Can you find them?
The possibilities are endless.
Friends
I thank the Australia Day Council for its on-going commitment to the Citizen of the Year Awards and for organising the Empower Forum.
I also thank the local council Mayors and CEOs who have supported and encouraged these young leaders. It is a worthwhile investment.
I congratulate all the Young Citizen of the Year recipients.
I have every confidence that your compassion, courage, and service will continue to help shape South Australia’s Future.
I encourage you to always get comfortable through being uncomfortable.