Speeches
Wednesday, 13 December 2023
Reception for Youth Opportunities
Welcome to Government House for this reception to thank supporters of Youth Opportunities.
The Governor and I are very pleased to be co-patrons of Youth Organisations and it’s wonderful to host your community here today.
The journey of personal development is a profound one.
For young people, particularly those who are marginalised, it is often a path fraught with obstacles.
Your organisation is a catalyst that propels them forward, enabling young people to build resilience, discover their strengths, and unleash their full potential.
Through education, mentoring, and skill-building, Youth Opportunities fosters an environment where personal growth is a fundamental right.
The importance of providing opportunities to young people extends beyond individual success.
It is about cultivating a generation of empowered individuals who, in turn, foster a community that thrives on the diversity of all its members.
In 2022, more than 4,500 young people took part in a Youth Opportunities activity.
I acknowledge the steadfast support of your donors, and the fundraising abilities of your organisation, in helping to shape the future of thousands of young people experiencing disadvantage.
The Governor and I were pleased to learn about the success of your Stars in the Garden luncheon held last month, which raised an incredible $872,000!
I thank everyone involved in the coordination of the event for helping to raise the funds, which will be used to support SA programs in 2024.
To the donors who are here, I thank you for your support.
Your commitment provides opportunities, and importantly, ignites a spark of hope, in the lives of those who need it the most.
Youth Opportunities stands as a testament to what we can achieve when individuals and organisations come together for a common cause.
Today, we also celebrate the generosity of four extraordinary individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support.
Your belief in the potential of every young person is an investment in a brighter, more promising future for us all.
The programs and initiatives powered by your contributions are instrumental in shaping the trajectories of young lives.
I thank you for your generosity in making sure that young people, regardless of their circumstances, have the chance to build a brighter future.
The sustained success of Youth Opportunities is testament to the vision and dedication of your Board and staff.
I thank you for your vital role in making a difference to marginalised young people in South Australia.