Speeches
Monday, 08 December 2025
Reception to thank donors and key supporters of the Clipper Ship of Adelaide
It is my pleasure to welcome you all as patron of the historic Clipper Ship the City of Adelaide.
This evening, we reflect on the ship’s remarkable history, its many journeys to Adelaide in its prime, and the incredible story of its being saved from deterioration and brought half‑way across the world.
I pay tribute to the determination of those who saw the worth of it being restored, preserved and coming back here to Adelaide.
Just as importantly, I pay tribute to those whose support enabled the journey and its ongoing presence here in the city after which it was named.
Because the Clipper – now the world’s oldest surviving composite clipper ship - is an integral part of our maritime history and the centrepiece of a broader vision for a maritime village.
The City of Adelaide reflects our story of immigration; it speaks to the heritage of Port Adelaide; it speaks to our trading history.
It’s a story that everyone can experience on stepping aboard, as Rod and I have done.
The vessel has had many maritime lives, including bringing early migrants here and returning with passengers, wool and copper.
Later she was a timber trade cargo ship, an isolation hospital, a drill ship and a Naval Volunteer Reserve Club rooms on the River Clyde in Scotland.
On an occasion such as this it is worthwhile reminding ourselves that:
- The City of Adelaide was constructed in 1864 in Sunderland, to carry passengers to Adelaide and was the pinnacle of design at the time.
- An estimated 250,000 Australians can trace their ancestry via the City of Adelaide clipper.
- The vessel undertook 23 return voyages between London and Adelaide and was among the fastest clippers on the run, sharing the record of 56 days with Yatala, a record later broken only by the Torrens. Her last voyage on a barge from England to Port Adelaide.
- She is only one of two surviving composite clipper ships in the world, the other being the famous but younger Cutty Sark.
As you will know, she was christened the HMS Carrick while in the service for a while of the Royal Navy.
As the Monarch’s representative in South Australia, I am delighted to note that His Royal Highness, the late Prince Phillip, re-bestowed the ship’s original 1864 name on her at a ceremony in London in 2013.
I understand that some champagne by tradition was spilled at the quintessentially Australian ceremony which also had beer and meat pies on the menu, which naturally delighted His Royal Highness.
Beyond these facts, figures and anecdotes, the story of the City of Adelaide clipper is the story of dedication and resolve. Of South Australians achieving when they turn their minds to a goal.
We have always been a State that cares and one that works together for the benefit of the community. It makes us who we are.
We don’t shy away from being bold and ambitious and having a broad vision, as Martin said in his letter to me.
And that is certainly true of the many volunteers who put their soul into the restoration of the clipper and conduct the tours.
It is certainly true of the supporters and donors who ensure the Clipper, and her story can be shared widely with the community. You are here today.
Without your formal generosity and generosity of spirit, the Clipper’s journey to date would not be possible.
You are all custodians of this small, but important part of our heritage which I encourage all South Australians to see, as Rod and I have done.
I understand about 15,000 people visit the ship annually, and that numbers are increasing.
Thank you all for your contributions in ensuring that the City of Adelaide was saved, has a permanent home, and can tell an important story about our heritage for many years to come.