Speeches
Tuesday, 09 June 2026
Reception to thank volunteers, supporters and donors of Habitat for Humanity Australia SA
Rod and I are pleased to welcome the Habitat for Humanity South Australia community to Government House.
This evening we celebrate the important contribution Habitat for Humanity has made to South Australian communities over more than three decades, as well as the fiftieth anniversary of its global movement.
Friends,
‘Home’ is more than a physical structure - it is where families grow, where children learn and where we all source a sense of security and dignity, from which we build our lives.
Housing is now one of the defining social and economic challenges of our time, especially in Australia, and that makes the work of Habitat for Humanity more important than ever.
Fifty years ago, Habitat for Humanity was founded on a simple but powerful idea: that people working together in partnership could create affordable homes and stronger communities.
Over five decades, that idea has grown into a worldwide movement that has helped more than 65 million people improve their housing circumstances.
It’s enduring proof that practical compassion, combined with community action, are among the most powerful forces available to us.
Here in South Australia, since 1990, Habitat for Humanity has translated its global mission into tangible local outcomes: through its affordable homes program, Brush with Kindness; disaster recovery work following the Pinery, Sampson Flat and Cuddlee Creek bushfires and the Murray River floods; and the ReStore social enterprise.
This work would not be possible without volunteers.
I thank all volunteers here this evening for donating their labour, skills and experience to pursue Habitat for Humanity’s goals, often quietly and without expectation of recognition.
Last year, over one thousand volunteer hours were donated to improve thirty-five homes for domestic violence survivors, homeless young people and other vulnerable South Australians – an impressive achievement.
Habitat SA’s 2021 South Australian Volunteers Award is fitting recognition of your sustained commitment.
I thank Habitat for Humanity’s donors and corporate partners for their generous support, which underpins much of the organisation’s work.
Your financial, in-kind and product contributions help families into affordable homeownership as well as sustain ReStore, the social enterprise that keeps useful materials out of landfill, serves as a community hub, and generates funds.
I also thank the Habitat for Humanity board for its stewardship, and its staff whose dedication turns vision into action.
The organisation’s achievements are the result of many people united by a common purpose – and, crucially, strong leadership.
Friends,
As we look towards Habitat for Humanity’s next 50 years, we note its 50 for 50 global commitment, aimed at improving housing conditions for fifty million people in the years ahead.
This is an inspiring statement of intent, and I look forward to seeing South Australia’s contribution to this ambitious, international goal.
This evening it will also my pleasure to present three outstanding partner awards.
I wish Habitat for Humanity South Australia all the best for the future, as it continues to open doors of opportunity, security and hope for South Australians in need.