Speeches
Wednesday, 09 September 2026
Student Leader Receptions
During my term as Governor, Rod and I have visited schools across the State, and we have had the pleasure of visiting your schools and meeting some of you there.
We have been impressed with how you lead and how you encourage others to feel included - not only in your school communities, but also your local communities.
You do this with commitment but also do so alongside your other interests such as study, sport, music, family, friends, volunteering and maybe a part-time job.
I know making all this work can at times be tiring and seem overwhelming, but I thank you for persevering and navigating the challenges.
You are already helping to shape the future because you are school leaders. You have agency.
You know that leadership isn’t a mere badge of honour, it is a way of using influence to make your communities better.
During our discussions with you, Rod and I have been impressed by how aware you are about the world – a world that is rapidly changing.
You are wondering how AI will affect your futures, coming to grips with digital technologies, seeing traditional jobs transitioning to new industries, debating challenges arising from climate change, and feeling the pressures on lifestyle and the economy.
Rest assured that your voices and your energies are helping to shape how we as a society grapple with such challenges.
Strong societies are built by those who care enough to be involved, those who use their voice, who listen to others, and ensure that everyone is included.
The leadership skills that you have developed will be really useful in the next stage of your lives as you go on to further study, apprenticeships or other career opportunities, perhaps even starting your own business.
If there is message I want to leave with you, it is that the future is not pre-determined and it isn’t always a continuous upward trajectory either.
You may have a particular path you want to follow, but please be alert to opportunities that present themselves and use them as a chance to re-evaluate your goals.
You may choose to continue on your chosen path, or you may choose to open a different door.
The thing is to be alert to opportunities.
As an example, I never dreamed I would be Governor. It was not something I ever considered.
When I left school, I headed down an economics pathway that led me to a diplomatic career.
The invitation to become Governor came unexpectedly and was something I discussed with Rod and our adult children.
We decided serving as Governor would be a good way to give back to the State in which I grew up and would enable me to encourage and acknowledge those who are making a real difference.
Rod started his career as a physicist, then became a diplomat, and then a high school teacher and now a strong partner to me in my role as Governor.
His story is another reminder that our lives can take different turns.
I share this to encourage you to consider opportunities when they arise. You never know where they could lead.
Having met young people and listened to their aspirations, I know they, and you, will play a significant role in South Australia’s future.
You are confident, you have skills, you care about each other and your communities. You use your voices where they matter.
Alongside you are people you can lean on, learn from, and who can help guide you when times get tough. Don’t think you need to have all the answers.
Rod and I have every confidence in your voices and your abilities, every confidence in you.
I thank your teachers, families and friends for their encouragement and support and would be grateful if you would pass my thanks on to them.
As I said at every school visit, it’s likely that we will bump into each other somewhere in the future.
When we do, please come up and say hello. Rod and I will really be interested to know what you are doing.
In the meantime, we wish you well for the future.