Speeches
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Reception to celebrate the 2025 WorldSkills Team SA achievements
Rod and I are pleased to welcome you all to Government House this evening to celebrate South Australia’s achievements at the 2025 WorldSkills National Championships.
It truly was a golden weekend for our State!
I was delighted to learn that South Australia sent its largest-ever team, 63 competitors, to the National Championship in Brisbane.
Your achievements were equally remarkable: three gold medals, seven silver, six bronze, and 12 Certificates of Excellence.
I especially congratulate our gold medallists:
- Angus Blanksby, Aberfoyle Park High School for Carpentry
- Emilie Flavel, TAFE SA, for Graphic Design
- Andrew Sherman, Findon Technical College, for Augmented Reality Welding
This is an incredible result that speaks to the remarkable talent, commitment, and resilience of the young people of Team SA.
Achieving excellence at this level requires patience, precision, and many hours of practice, whether it’s refining a digital layout down to the last pixel, ensuring each weld meets exacting standards, or making every cut flawless.
Your achievements are also testament to the guidance and support of your teachers, trainers, and mentors who have nurtured your potential.
I was also impressed by the range of trades and skills represented by Team SA, from creative and digital design, to engineering, construction, hospitality, and personal services.
Collectively, these young people demonstrate the breadth and talent of South Australia’s next generation of skilled professionals.
WorldSkills, or, as it is often called, the “Skills Olympics”, gives young people the chance to test themselves against the best in the country.
Beyond technical expertise, it fosters confidence, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience – the same skills that will serve them throughout their careers.
WorldSkills also demonstrates the value of skilled work – work that is both meaningful and essential to our communities.
As Governor, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the impact of skills and trades across South Australia, whether through my patronage of the Apprentice Employment Network, or meeting apprentices and trainees in workplaces, schools, and training centres around the State.
Earlier this year, Commissioner Baker and I visited Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, where I saw how technical and vocational excellence drives opportunities for individuals, communities, and entire economies.
The same is true in South Australia.
Our State has a proud history of building and making things, from Holdens in Elizabeth and steel in Whyalla to frigates and, in future, nuclear powered submarines at Osborne and satellites here in Adelaide.
It is inspiring to see that same spirit and ingenuity in Team SA, with each participant demonstrating the skill, creativity, and determination that have long been hallmarks of our State.
In 2027, Adelaide will host the WorldSkills Australia National Championships, which will an exciting opportunity to celebrate our industries, connect with the community, and inspire the next generation of apprentices and trainees.
We are also looking forward to cheering on Emilie Flavel and Jemma Glatz as they represent Australia on the world stage at the 2026 International Championships in Shanghai.
I thank Minister Boyer, Commissioner Baker, members of the South Australian Skills Commission Board, and the WorldSkills Australia South Australian Steering Committee for their encouragement and support.
I also acknowledge the families, friends, employers, and training providers whose support and encouragement has been invaluable.
To all members of Team SA, you remind us that skill is not just something we learn – it’s something we live, and something that builds the future.
Congratulations on your achievements.