Thursday, 20 August 2026
Government House Sydney
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC

Bujari gamarruwa

Diyn Babana Gamarada Gadigal Ngura

I greet you in the language of the Gadigal, Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather. In doing so, I my pay respects not only to Gadigal Elders, past, present and future, but also the Elders of all parts of New South Wales from which you have travel.

Representatives of the Order of Australia Association NSW^[1], principals and teachers, friends, family, and, most importantly, recipients,

What a delight it is for to welcome you all to Government House to honour the achievements of 25 wonderful young Australians.

Having listened to their citations – which I know is but a brief snapshot of their efforts – across such a broad range of activities and services to community, I think all deserve another round of applause…

Community is our greatest gift. In it, we find strength, connectedness, and belonging.

It is not something, however, that simply happens… Community doesn’t magically arise because people live in the same place at the same time.

It is something that needs nurturing and nourishment… something more than the result of ideals and good intention, it is, above all, action… getting out and finding ways to support, inspire, and celebrate one another… making sure everyone not only feels included and heard, but also gets the chance to thrive and excel… empowering all to make their own contributions, and so, help build a better place for all of us.

It is young people who do exactly that whom we celebrate today.

In Australia, we have a great tradition of volunteerism and community service both as individuals as well as through community organisations. It is work which is undertaken without reward or expectation of praise or recognition.

But recognition is important because of the inspiration it gives to others, and it is heartening to know that, if this group of committed young people is anything to go by, volunteerism and community service is alive and well and in very, good hands.

To you, our recipients… congratulations!

As we have heard, you have displayed leadership in so many ways… whether in your schools as college or house captains, vice captains, or members of the Student Representative Council or in the broader community, participating in youth councils, youth forums, youth advisory panels, and the Youth Parliament and its steering committees… giving voice to, and advocating for, young people and the issues important to you.

You have volunteered with, and raised money for, charitable causes and programs of a staggering breadth, in innovative and inspiring ways.

You have mentored, trained, and connected others of diverse abilities and ages, from the young to the not-so-young and everyone in between.

You have kept safe us safe through your membership of St John Ambulance, local Surf Life Saving Clubs, and the RFS.

You have advocated for and helped implement programs promoting mental health awareness; youth wellbeing; suicide prevention; multicultural engagement and inclusion; health and housing equity; First Nations pride, inclusion, and opportunity; as well as a plethora of activities supporting sustainability, climate action, biodiversity, litter reduction, and environmental awareness.  

You have helped keep our commemorative traditions alive

… Some have already been recognised for your leadership, efforts, and community contributions through multiple awards… I think I counted 3 Young Citizens of the Year!

Much of this was probably performed with the backdrop of the later years of high school study, when the pressures of HSC can be challenging, stressful, and demanding… which makes your achievements all the more impressive.

To all… the warmest of thanks for all you have done to help build better communities, for the many lives you undoubtedly helped to improve, and for the compassion and dedication you so consistently display.

Thank you, also, to your families and friends, your teachers and mentors who support you, to your schools for nominating you, and to the NSW Branch of the Order of Australia Association for ensuring that your inspirational efforts are not only acknowledged, but also, more importantly, celebrated.

Dennis and I look forward to meeting and speaking with each of you shortly, and to learn more about you, your journey, and your achievements.

Thank you.