Speeches
Tuesday, 25 August 2026
Reception to acknowledge graduates of Majorie Jackson-Nelson Centre
Although Rod is unwell and unable to be with us, as joint Patrons of Sport SA we warmly welcome you to Government House to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2025 and also award graduation certificates to some previous years’ participants.
I also pay tribute to the late Rebecca Jones who was a valued member of the 2025 program and welcome her husband Kevin and their sons Thomas and Jack to this ceremony.
I also acknowledge Graham and Bronwyn Young whose daughter the late Ashley Young was among the first 2023 cohort and whose memory is honoured through the Ashley Young Scholarship.
(pause)
To all the graduates here today, congratulations.
While you have all gained much from being part of the program, you have also given much of yourselves. You have balanced participation alongside the demands of careers, study, work, family, sport and other needs.
Not only have you invested in yourselves, but you have invested in the future of women’s sport.
Today, women’s sport is undeniably more clearly visible – the Matildas captured the nation’s attention, the AFLW, women’s cricket and the Thunderbirds, among many others, have built a strong following through skill and media attention.
Other sports are attracting support, and female sports commentators are demonstrating that they are knowledgeable, insightful and belong behind the microphone.
Yet the challenge remains to encourage more women to play sport, to become administrators, coaches and officials and to take a seat at the table when decisions are being made and to close the gap in terms of athlete pay.
The skills gained through the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre are so important because women’s sport is important.
It is wonderful to observe that in just the first four years of the program, the centre has really hit its stride.
Statistics can tell part of a story. It is encouraging to know that 40% of graduates have advanced to more senior roles or to other organisations with more responsibility.
As well, 65% gained increased responsibility in their sport due to confidence gained through the program.
The other part of the story is the Centre’s role in “leveling” the playing field for all women in sport, not only for the players, but the administrators, the coaches, the officials.
You also carry forward the legacy of the Centre’s namesake, Marjorie Jackson-Nelson
Whenever Rod and I travel to country South Australia we meet people who fondly remember Marj.
Without exception she leaves a positive and lasting impression on everyone because of her sporting success, her advocacy for those affected by leukaemia through her charitable work with the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Foundation, and her time as Governor, about all of which she is characteristically humble..
As we all know leadership is found not only in record-breaking achievement, but in quiet, daily acts of kindness and connection.
Friends
I thank Sport SA’s leadership in establishing the Marjorie-Jackson Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport with support from the State Government and sporting organisations.
To the graduates, I look forward to seeing where your paths take you, the contributions you make to women’s sport and the ways in which you support each other.
The future of women’s sport will be shaped not only by our athletes, but by the women who lead.
Women like you.
I wish you every success.