Speeches
Wednesday, 25 March 2026
ZONTA Young Women in Leadership Awards
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this year’s Zonta Young Women in Leadership Awards.
As Governor, I have met many South Australians who are working to advance gender equality and expand opportunities for women and girls.
In schools, workplaces, and communities, I have seen young women actively engaging with issues that matter to them, taking the initiative, supporting others, and contributing in ways that strengthen those around them.
What stands out is that this work is not always described as leadership, even when it clearly is.
That is why recognition matters.
Zonta’s work, through its advocacy, service and programs such as these awards, plays an important role recognising leadership, and supporting its growth.
It makes visible the work that is already happening and reinforces the value we attach to it.
The award recipients recognised this evening reflect that leadership across a wide range of areas.
Some are focused on health and wellbeing - improving access to care, supporting mental health, or pursuing careers in medicine and related fields.
Others are contributing to the wellbeing of children and young people through mentoring, volunteering, and community programs that support families.
There are also those engaging in advocacy and public discussion, participating in youth forums, debate, consultation processes, and initiatives connected to broader national and international issues.
Alongside this, some are driven by a commitment to addressing complex social challenges, including homelessness, inequality, and family, domestic and gender-based violence.
These are significant issues, and they require persistence, judgement and sensitivity.
Work of this kind involves listening to different perspectives, making considered decisions, and understanding the impact of that work over time.
It requires the confidence to engage with complexity, and the judgement to act where it is needed.
This is central to leadership.
The young women here are engaging with these issues with clarity and purpose and are already shaping the communities around them.
I thank Zonta Clubs of South Australia for their continued commitment to these awards, and for their role in recognising the contribution of young women across the state.
I was pleased to hear that over the past 18 months, clubs have worked together to increase nominations and broaden participation in more regions across South Australia, helping ensure the awards reach a wider range of communities.
To the families, teachers, mentors and friends here this evening, your support is integral to the achievements we recognise.
Congratulations to each of you receiving awards tonight.
Thank you for the leadership you are already showing, and for the example you set for others in your communities.
The future will be shaped by the courage, ideas, and determination of young people like you.