Selected speeches

Galiga! Gu’wa, Batji Mula Ganyam

Welcome! Yes, it is very good to see you!

Gungwa Gwoyelwa Gulumerrdjin, Garamilla.

This is Larrakia Country, Darwin.

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, Distinguished (Leaders) guests, and all.

Ngana yirrama nganigi respect to the Gulumerrdjin biyilirra, their Darriba, Narri - gudlagwa, yilanggwa and nimangwa.

I give my respect to the Larrakia People, their Elders past, present and future.

I extend that respect to all First Nations custodians present.

As the Representative Colonel of the North West Mobile Unit, I am very happy to welcome you this evening to Government House.

Earlier in the week, I had the opportunity to see your skills in action at the NORFORCE Football Camp. I understand that you have all done very well and had many achievements including skills and drills sessions, strength and conditioning training, recovery and stretching sessions, briefs on nutrition and injury prevention, team building activities, and high performance education from ADF personnel at the Michael Long Centre.

As NORFORCE was established in 1981, you have many achievements over more than 40 years, which we are proud of. It is uniquely Territorian for a surveillance unit to be made up of mostly Aboriginal soldiers, and for you to patrol the areas you come from and use your local knowledge of Country and community.

I imagine you are all excited for this weekend’s Barunga Festival, its truly a remarkable event, bringing together communities to celebrate Indigenous culture, music, and sport. NORFORCE’s participation adds an extra layer of significance, you are Ambassadors representing the Defence Force with pride and you strengthen its connection with the local communities.

It's incredible to think it's been 21 years since NORFORCE last took part in the festival’s football competition. Having reached the finals twice, the NORFORCE teams have certainly proven their strength and determination. Could this be the year history is made? I am sure that the energy, excitement, and community

support, plus your recent training and teamwork, will surely play a role in driving you all.

Beyond the competition, this participation is also about fostering relationships, sharing stories, and deepening the bond between NORFORCE and the wider Barunga community and other communities attending. Whether it's on the field or through cultural exchanges, this engagement helps bring people together in meaningful ways. Here's hoping this year is one to remember!

As I mentioned on Monday, I am a huge advocate of the benefits of sport, to our physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual health. It is about taking care of yourself, about working together as a team, about leadership and coaching, taking direction and it is about learning from one another.

I think you are all role models for our communities, showing the value of sports and physical activity in building healthier, more connected communities – and healthier and happier individuals. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Bronson Mungatopi, who I understand has shown very good leadership throughout the training camp. Well done, Bronson.

I am thrilled to help you celebrate the NORFORCE football team this evening, to congratulate you on your play and passion, and thank you for your service to our country.

Now I would like to ask a few people what did you get out of this camp? Bronson could you go first?

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra: Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present, I also pay my respect.

The Darwin Festival is one of Australia’s greatest events and is certainly a highlight for all Territorians. Each year, the Festival has grown in strength, spirit and creativity­­­­—becoming more vibrant, more diverse and more deeply connected to our community.

The Darwin Festival connect communities through arts and culture to create, celebrate and enjoy Australia’s finest arts performers. What amazing talent there is for us to enjoy, especially

the 400 artists from the Northern Territory who will feature in this year’s festival!

I particularly value Darwin Festival’s commitment to supporting and presenting Northern Territory artists and telling Northern Territory stories. This is the way we create and support an artistic, political and social culture that is unique to us, that reflects our Indigenous and multicultural population and our beautiful land.

It will be a challenge to choose from so many amazing shows. I should highlight ‘Whistling Kite Music’ that was co-written by Dr Aunty Bilawara Lee, who just graced us with her beautiful Welcome to Country, which features songs written for children to hear and learn the sounds of Larrakia language.

I am intrigued that Opera Queensland will be combining country music and opera, in a foot-stomping, heartfelt celebration called ‘Are you Lonesome Tonight?’ Can you believe that Swan Lake will be reimagined as a circus spectacular in ‘Duck Pond’? An all-star cast of NT and Australian artists will be making magic at an evening of true-believer country music at Palmerston called Buffalo Country.

The Festival is not just about being entertained, but about being challenged and inspired. I look forward to hearing from Gill Hicks,

a survivor of the London terrorist bombings, and engaging conversations, storytelling and ideas from John Safran, Charlie King, Sarah Kanowski and Lisa Pellegrino. You probably know that I am a great music lover and there will be so many tremendous singers and artists performing for us, including at the National Indigenous Music Awards.

I cannot finish up without mentioning the many volunteers, joining together with the Darwin Festival team to make the event a success every year. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.

As Patron of the Darwin Festival, I am excited to have seen the 2025 program. The energy, the creativity, the talent—it’s all waiting for you. Bring your friends, bring your family—because the magic of the festival is best shared. See you there!

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra: Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present, I also pay my respect.

The 2025 Red Shield Appeal theme is “Be the hope people need. Give to the Red Shield Appeal today”.

The Red Shield Appeal, including this breakfast, is the Salvation Army’s most critical fundraising campaign, providing essential financial support that enables them to

deliver life-changing services to people in need across Australia, including the far reaches of the Territory, every 17 seconds. Last year 1.76 million Australians received assistance from the Salvos. This demonstrates the context and need of this morning’s event.

In Australia for 145 years and the Territory 77 years ago, supporting defence personnel and families, their Mission has been to stand with Australians offering spiritual and practical support to the most marginalised. Offering hope where it is lost, light when there is darkness and help carry that burden.

For me, it began going with my father as a child, door to door, rattling the tin!

The 2025 Red Shield Appeal will focus on the urgent and growing needs of those experiencing homelessness, facing financial hardship, and the emotional toll of ongoing economic pressures, leading to serious mental illness and often the misuse of alcohol. The inability to see a future, despair and isolation. Darkness.

We well know some of the challenges and complexities of living the Northern Territory Community and that these

stressful issues have grown significantly, especially the cost of living and accommodation. We know service delivery in the NT is costly. This is why the Salvation Army desperately needs YOUR support and GENEROSITY so it can continue provide support to Territorians wherever they live.

The Salvation Army cannot do this alone. This year, they need to raise $38 million to continue providing these vital services. The generosity of you and our donors can be the hope people need. The difference between hunger and a warm meal, between despair and a helping hand.

“Be that hope people need. Give to the Red Shield Appeal today”

Here are some current Salvos NT Activities:

• Homelessness and Social Housing:
  • They operate transitional and long-term housing in Darwin and Alice Springs.
  • They offer tenancy support, case management, and life skills coaching.
• Addiction Services:
  • The Sunrise Centre in Darwin provides live-in Alcohol and Other Drugs rehabilitation with 24-hour counselling.
• Emergency Relief:
  • Providing food, clothing, vouchers, and medical travel support for those in crisis.
• Domestic and Family Violence:
  • They maintain two women’s refuges in the Top End.
  • Mobile outreach and relocation services across Australia.
• Financial Counselling:
  • The Moneycare program delivers counselling and budgeting assistance for Territorians facing cost-of-living pressures.
• Community Engagement:
  • The Street to Home program for rough sleepers.
  • Providing pastoral care, chaplaincy, and youth services.
  • Offering ongoing spiritual ministry through the local Corps, the churches.
• The Flying Padre Service: This wonderful program was established in 1945 by Captain Victor Pedersen and is still operating today out of Katherine, covering vast areas of the southern NT and beyond.

However, with challenges in the NT, let us all be solution focused and illuminate the darkness that many face!

Businesses and larger Corporate organisations can have such an impact, as well as donors here today, by supporting the Red Shield Appeal to find that $38 million to maintain the Salvation Army Services. By doing this you are supporting a Territorian or Territorian family who desperately needs help and some hope. Again the difference between hunger and a warm meal, between despair and a helping hand.

“Be that hope people need! Give generously to the Red Shield Appeal today!”

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra:  Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present, I also pay my respect.

I am absolutely delighted to be with you here today to officially open the 2025 Freds Pass Rural Show, celebrating its 46th year. This is my third show as Administrator, and it is a real pleasure to welcome you all here – a much-loved tradition in our Top End calendar.

Over the last 45 years, it is estimated that more than half a million Territorians have had the chance to sample a unique slice of rural life through a visit to the iconic Freds Pass Rural Show. Freds Pass Rural Show is legendary. From humble beginnings as a rural fete, at Howard Springs Primary School, it is now the largest annual event in the rural area of Darwin.

I am so proud of what the Freds Pass Rural Show represents, showcases, and celebrates rural communities and rural life. The other theme that I think is important is ‘togetherness’, cohesion and resilience, including responses to flood and fire.

To those from the rural area - families who live on the land, who work the land, who grow and raise what sustains us - thank you. This Show is your show. It reflects your effort, your ingenuity, your resilience and your deep sense of community.

To those who support our rural life - whether you are a small business owner, a service provider, a tradie, or part of one of our hardworking local clubs or volunteer groups - thank you for being part of what keeps our rural area thriving.

To all our urban visitors from Darwin, surrounds and beyond - welcome! Many of you return year after year to enjoy the fresh

country air and smells, the wood chopping, livestock judging, equestrian events, the trade and school displays, competitions, the produce - and of course, the food! There is something for everyone here, from the animal nursery, side show alley and the car show. The entertainment for all includes the amazing talent  on the main stage, including the stars of tomorrow from the music talent quests. I will shortly be presenting the Young Rural Achiever Awards. It is inspiring to celebrate our amazing new leaders.

An event of this size takes an enormous effort to put on, along with great dedication, service and heart. Congratulations and thanks to  all those who have contributed to making this an amazing success.

With great pride I now declare the Freds Pass Rural Show officially open!

Let the fun begin!

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra: Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present, I also pay my respect.

It is wonderful for Ruth and I, as patrons, to welcome and join you all this evening for the 2025 CareFlight Hangar Ball.

This year’s theme, “Imagine the Territory without CareFlight”, is powerful. For most of us, this concept is unimaginable. Tonight is a celebration, not only of CareFlight services that support our Top End communities, but also our community that supports CareFlight.

I personally know the importance of this high quality, complex service, as a rostered doctor receiving calls from remote locations across the Top End and referring high acuity patients to CareFlight.

It is not just the assets: fixed wing, rotary wing and jet, but all the personnel. This includes back of house, such as logistics, engineers, avionics, biometrics, communications and IT. Let us not forget the pilots and the nurses deployed, with a range of consultants when needed and those who provide advice and manage high acuity cases. Consider the cost of providing this world class service.

In our urban settings, with high acuity cases, we would hope that an ambulance would arrive very quickly. Every Territorian deserves a timely response, quality clinical care, safe transfer and recovery. The same hope! CareFlight has been providing this amazing emergency service, as well as a lifeline, for over a decade. It bridges isolation with connection. It turns great distances into accessible care. A steady presence in our skies, a trusted partner on the ground. The sound in the of a twin-engine turboprop Kingair coming into land is joy and relief. Many would not know about the transfers from our regional hospitals to Darwin and the CareFlight jet transfers of critical cases interstate.

CareFlight’s impact extends beyond emergency medicine. They invest in training and development for our health workforce. They create opportunities for young people to build futures in health and aviation. They contribute to

reconciliation, not just through words, but through genuine action.

Tonight is our chance to show gratitude, not just with applause, but with real support for such an amazing essential service and the incredible people behind it. To the entire CareFlight team, and to everyone working across our health system, 24/7: thank you!

To all of you here this evening, thank you for believing in CareFlight, for giving generously and for being part of the Territory community that shows up when it really matters. Like CareFlight!

Thank you all, thank you CareFlight: you are amazing!

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra:  Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present, I also pay my respect.

As Patron of Volunteering NT, I am delighted to take part in this wonderful evening, celebrating some of the most generous and inspiring people in our Northern Territory community, our volunteers!

During National Volunteer Week we formally thank those whose quiet actions often speak the loudest. Those who see a need in the

community and act, not to be recognised or rewarded but because they care.

This act of service brings us together, connects us, and gives us a profound sense of belonging in our communities, our purpose and for many our faith. They are around us all the time, in every corner of the Territory. They coach our sporting teams and provide first aid, support new arrivals from across the globe, assist those doing it tough, lend a hand at local events, and offer comfort and care in times of crisis whether it be food, shelter flooding and fire. They provide support to the vulnerable. They contribute in ways that change lives and strengthen communities.

These awards are an important opportunity to honour the dedication and contributions of our volunteers in the Northern Territory, both individuals and organisations. Today, I am thrilled to present the inaugural NT Administrator’s Grassroots Group of the Year Award. With this award, we recognise and celebrate the commitment, impact, and importance of groups that have provided essential local services, led positive change, and supported social and community life in the Territory. This award is a wonderful way to acknowledge these small groups, which are often volunteer-led

and run, and who, sometimes quietly but always with purpose, work for the betterment of our community.

To your families, friends and colleagues, thank you for supporting them in all that they do and to Volunteering NT and the event organisers, thank you for continuing to shine a light on the contributions of these Territorians who give so much.

I eagerly look forward to hearing more about the remarkable work of this year’s winners and to personally congratulate them for their outstanding contributions. I commend and thank all the volunteers, finalists and winners who are here tonight. Your dedication and generosity are truly inspiring, so it is my privilege to celebrate your achievements with you.

These awards are not just about winners and finalists. They are about recognising a spirit of giving that uplifts us all. Let us all continue to recognise, support, and honour those who give their time, their heart, and their hope to others.

You are the unsung heroes!

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra:  Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present, I also pay my respect.

It is a great honour, as your joint Patrons, for Ruth and I, to be here and to welcome you all to the NT Breast Cancer Voice Forum.

The theme of this forum – Inform, Reflect and Connect – perfectly captures the spirit of today’s gathering. Throughout the day, amongst others, you will hear from plastic surgeons, a clinical psychologist, and a representative from BreastScreen NT. There will be opportunities not only to learn from their expertise, but also reflect on what we

take away, and to connect with one another – as colleagues, professionals, community members and of course, families and survivors.

My career in health research, education, clinical and public health practice spans 55 years. Many of the patients that I recall from the very young, the elderly and the fit, have lost their battles with cancer. I admired their courage and that of families, carers and health professionals as well as that of survivors. It is those voices, your voices that are not just important – they are essential.

We live in an amazing time in history with research, new treatments including personalised genetically focused ones as well as cancer controlling medicines.

However, breast cancer continues to touch too many lives across Australia and the Northern Territory.

Early detection and diagnosis are paramount and are saving lives. Support systems  that educate, build resilience and strengthen, ensure that no one needs to walk this journey alone.

That is why this forum serves as a space to share knowledge and experiences, to reflect with honesty and compassion, and to connect in ways that will empower us all for the journey ahead.

Thank you to NT Breast Cancer Voice, who for nearly 30 years has supported and advocated for improved services in the NT. Ruth and I have enjoyed hosting you at Government House during our term, where we were privileged to meet with some of you that were undertaking treatment. It was special to have listened to your individual stories and how the committee has continued to strive to provide support for Territorians and we are delighted to be here reinforcing the importance of this forum.

Thank you to Cazaly’s and the Palmerston Golf Club for your incredible support. The Pink Morning Tea at Cazaly’s was a fantastic success, with a full house, and the Pink Golf Day was equally well-received. Your generosity and dedication have truly made a difference!

Thank you to the NT Breast Cancer Voice committee for leading this initiative, and to everyone here for the part you play in making a difference including creating space for real conversations, shared experiences, and genuine community and capacity building.

Just last week The King and Queen hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate community-based initiatives that raise awareness about cancer and support those living with the disease, reinforcing the need for community groups like NT Breast Cancer Voice.

During the reception His Majesty he said that ‘Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones. But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.

It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years. And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits - that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”

As The King pointed out, illness brings challenges, but it also reveals the best of humanity. We see that firsthand in this room—through the kindness, the resilience, and the unwavering support that defines NT Breast Cancer Voice.

I wish you a powerful, inspiring, and hopeful Forum.

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra:  Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present, I also pay my respect.

It is wonderful for Ruth and I to again attend the 2025 NT Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

We greatly appreciate your work, and on behalf of Territorians, thank you for your contributions. We have

both been involved in the care of the elderly over many decades, including my work in Aged Care facilities.

It is therefore an honour to present the award this evening and to announce that this year’s recipient of the NT Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement is Ms Judy Ratajec.

**Judy to make her way to the stage**

I am deeply impressed by Judy’s leadership, achievements and dedication throughout her nursing career, spanning over three decades. The Northern Territory has been so lucky to benefit from Judy’s tireless efforts in the aged care and mental health sector, mostly as a psycho-geriatric nurse, for over 25 years.

In 2006, Judy undertook a new role of program manager for the NT Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service, overseeing, not only all of the aged care services in the Northern Territory, but also providing support for the service’s teams based in remote Western Australia. This support was requested specifically by the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service in Western Australia, due to Judy’s reputation and experience of

providing inspirational and appropriate services for the remote aged care sector. She has a number of publications, including in Warlpiri.

Judy began working for the Northern Territory Government’s aged care unit in 2017 as a team leader for the Aged Care Assessment Team. She quickly transitioned to the NT Clinical Leader for Aged Care, becoming involved with national programs supporting the new aged care reforms, and leading aged care within NT Health.

Judy has continually expanded and enhanced her skills and ability to make a lasting contribution to nursing. Outside her day-to-day work, Judy is the Chairperson for the NT Division of the Australian Association of Gerontology. She was a founding member of the association and has been Chairperson for the past eight years.

Judy has positively influenced many nurses to pursue Aged Care nursing as a specialist focus, having an important impact on our care provision for this vulnerable group of Territorians.

Judy is well deserving of this lifetime recognition of her positive impact within the Territory of her nursing career in aged care and mental health. I am honoured to be presenting this auspicious award to her this evening. Dear colleagues, I present to you, Ms Judy Ratajec.

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra:  Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present, I also pay my respect.

Buongiorno e benvenuti a tutti! Good morning and welcome everyone!

As Patron of the Darwin Italian Festival, I am very happy to be with you here today. In fact, my attendance at the 2023 Darwin Italian Festival was early in my tenure as Administrator, and so it is good to be back.

It is incredible to see so many people come together for this vibrant biannual event. At the last festival you had over 22,000 attendees, a true testament to the reputation, heart and spirit of this festival.

Although Italians are only around 2.3 to 2.5% of the Northern Territory’s population, the community has always punched well above its weight. From small businesses to major infrastructure, some of Darwin’s most prominent and generous families have Italian roots. Their contributions have helped build and support our beautiful city for decades.

So, it is wonderful to celebrate this rich heritage and marry the past to the present with this amazing family festival. Dancing with traditional costumes, wonderful singing, great food, great music, great company and competitions in pasta and pizza throwing. What more could anyone want?

An event of this size takes an enormous effort to put on, along with tremendous dedication, service and heart. Congratulations and thanks to each and every person who has contributed to making this happen, especially the organisers from the Italian Festival Association, and all your volunteers.

Grazie mille for being here today. Enjoy the food, laughter and warmth that makes this community so special. Whether you’re Italian or just Italian for the day – Benvenuti! Welcome! And Arrivederci – until next time!

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Sawasdee krub (Pronounced: Suh-waht-dee-kahp!)

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra:  Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present, I also pay my respect.

I am honoured, as your Patron, to again take part in and officially open the Thailand Grand Festival. This year marks the third time that Ruth and I have been able to attend in an official capacity, and it is always such a vibrant and enjoyable event to be a part of.

It is with great pride that I have witnessed the Thailand Grand Festival grow year on year as part of Darwin’s cultural calendar.

An event like this is not only an opportunity to learn about and immerse ourselves in the rich traditions of Thai culture, but it also serves as a reminder of the diverse cultures we each come from. Together, we can share our heritage with other Territorians, weaving a vibrant, colourful tapestry of unity and diversity.

It is also a chance to honour not only the special multicultural nature of Darwin and the Northern Territory, but also the enduring friendship between Thailand and Australia.

While last year, we were introduced to a water blessing ceremony and the Boon Bang Fai Rocket Festival from the Northeast of Thailand, this year, you are making a splash – literally – in celebrating the Maha Songkran Water Festival with a focus on the cultural splendour of Northern Thailand’s Lanna region. Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year festival was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Thailand Grand Festival is a testament to the hard work of the organisers. I would like to acknowledge and thank Tou and the NT Thai Association, every one of you and all your volunteers, for your

magnificent efforts making this festival possible. It is not easy to make an event like this happen with so many parts and I know that it would have taken much effort and dedication by all of you.

Congratulations and well done. We look forward to trying some more delicious Thai food with you all soon. Happy Thailand Grand Festival!

I declare the Thailand Grand Festival – Your Water and Rain Festival, official open!

Kwaawp Khun! Thank you.

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra:  Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present, I also pay my respect.

Today, as we gather in the quiet of the early morning and the first rays of dawn, we pause to remember and honour those who served and sacrificed for our country. On this ANZAC Day, we stand in the shadows of history, in reverence for the courage, bravery and spirit of all men and women who have answered the call of duty.

ANZAC day 2025 commemorates 110 years since the Gallipoli Campaign, when, on the 25th of April 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the shores of Gallipoli. We stand, as they once stood — young and old, hopeful and determined — facing a future they could not know, but a cause they were prepared to defend with their lives.

Today, we also reflect on the broader meaning of service and sacrifice. ANZAC Day is not only about remembering the past; it is about acknowledging the values that the ANZACs fought for: courage, mateship, endurance and sacrifice. These values are timeless and continue to shape who we are as a nation, united in our respect for those who have served and continue to serve, in peace and in war.

We remember those who did not return.

We remember those who returned carrying wounds, seen and unseen.
And we remember that freedom is never free — it has always been bought with the courage and the sacrifice of others.

ANZAC Day is not about the glory of war. It is about the cost of it.
It is about remembrance.

It is about gratitude.

And it is about the solemn promise — that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The spirit of the ANZACs lives on in every generation. As we stand together this morning, we are reminded of the responsibility we bear to uphold the legacy of those who gave so much for our freedom. We must never take it for granted.

As the sun rises over Darwin Harbour this morning, we honour those who gave their tomorrow for our today.

We honour them with our silence, with our memory, and with our commitment to live lives worthy of their sacrifice.

Peace on Earth.

Lest we forget.

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra:  Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present, I also pay my respect.

It is a pleasure to be here tonight to recognise the remarkable talents of our Territory’s sporting heroes. The Steve Abala Sporting Role Model Administrator’s Medal was established in two thousand and six to honour the contributions made by the Territory’s athletes through their sporting achievements and through their contributions to our Territory communities.

I believe it is also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate more broadly the positive impacts of sport. Sports and physical activity have an enduring value in building healthier, more connected communities. On an individual level, it is important to strive to do one’s best and find joy in participation. Sport improves health, fitness and well-being, and can teach leadership skills and teamwork. Lifelong activity could literally save your life, and I also believe it will bring you happiness, pleasure and a sense of community.

The twenty twenty four recipient of the award was unable to attend last year, and so it is a pleasure to recognise him at this year’s ceremony. This individual had an exceptional career in Australian Rules Football. His work with AFL in the Northern Territory and Australia has been influential and his achievements inspiring for many young, up-and-coming athletes.

A standout performer in the two thousand and seven AFL National under-eighteen championships, he became the only Northern Territorian to earn All-Australian Honours.

Drafted by Hawthorn in two thousand and seven, he made his AFL debut in two thousand and eight, playing in every game of the season, including an inspirational

performance in Hawthorn’s defeat of Geelong in the two thousand and eight AFL Grand Final.

The two thousand and fifteen Norm Smith medallist and three-time All-Australian recipient played one hundred and 89 games for Hawthorn, and was awarded life membership with the club in two thousand and fifteen.

Now retired and living in Darwin, he works with young Aboriginal offenders at First Step, an alternative sentencing and youth diversion program. He is a relatable and inspiring mentor for Aboriginal teenagers who have become disengaged with the education system, helping them find employment and training pathways. It is my pleasure to recognise his achievements and present the twenty twenty-four recipient of the Steve Abala Sporting Role Model Administrator’s Medal to Cyril Rioli Junior Boy.

***HHA to present the award to Cyril and photograph taken.

HHA then return to the lectern to continue ***

Thank you, Cyril.

And now we turn to this year’s award winner. The twenty twenty-five recipient excels as both an athlete and an umpire. With her roots in Netball, then progressing to AFL, this young achiever has had a significant impact in the sporting community.

Seeing the nationwide Umpire Shortage, this determined individual was inspired to discover the benefits of being both a player and an official. At just sixteen, she debuted as the youngest-ever field umpire to officiate in an elite AFL Competition, in the twenty twenty-two AFWL.

This decorated individual has excelled through school, while balancing her sporting commitments and achieving five academic excellence awards.

Selected as an Australian Olympic Change-Maker, one of twenty four out of nine hundred, she gained her spot by demonstrating her positive impact on her community. While COVID-19 restricted her from attending the program in person, she contributed to important conversations on gender equity and diversity in sport, alongside cherished Olympians.

Beyond personal success, what sets her apart is her passion for defying barriers and promoting inclusion in sport.

It is my pleasure to announce that the recipient of the twenty twenty - five Steve Abala Sporting Role Model Administrator’s Medal is:  Emma Stark

HHA to present the award and photograph taken.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra:  Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present I also pay my respect.

I am proud to be the Patron of the Christmas in Darwin Association and it was a great pleasure and great fun for Ruth and I to join the choir at the 49th year of Carols by Candlelight in Darwin and sing the First Noel.

Carols by Candlelight was a great success, with some thousands of people attending, and fundraising at the gate led to much-needed donations going to Variety, the Children’s Charity and the Down Syndrome Association.

I understand that planning has already started for the 2025 event, which will be the 50th anniversary, your Gold Anniversary. How tremendous.

So, before you delve into your busy planning and organising, this reception is an important opportunity to pause … and enjoy each other’s company and the hospitality of Government House … while I publicly thank all of you who made the event a success.

At the level of organisations and institutions, the event is a model of good collaboration and cooperation. Thanks and congratulations go to the City of Darwin and NT Major Events, as well as the rest of the sponsors and in-kind supporters.

Everyone who helps out at the event is a volunteer, including the performers. I would like to send out

thanks to 55 choir members, 25 soloists, 18 army band members, 1 sing song signer, 1 elf and 1 Santa!

The biggest thanks is to the Christmas in Darwin Association who works year round to make this happen and is fully composed of a volunteer community committee.

I would like to acknowledge with heaps of praise and gratitude:

• Chair and Public Officer – Katrina Fong Lim AM,
• Treasurer - Lisa Edwards,
• Secretary - Lorna McLaughlin,
• Artistic and Program Directors - Nora Lewis AM and Shalom Kaa, and
• Committee Members - Maurie Johnson, Megan Ashton, Donna Reid, Viviane Besy, Kim Farrar and Evelyn Lewis.

Fifty years is an amazing length of time. Leading up to this special anniversary ahead, I wish you smooth organising and coordination, patience when needed, and that some of the Christmas spirit from Carols by

Candlelight will stay in your hearts and sustain you in your hard work. On behalf of Territorians everywhere, our humble and heartfelt thanks. Please enjoy this evening.

Nabah, Mungaran wa damabula.

Hello, distinguished guests, all.

Ngana narribid nganigi respect Gulumerrdjin Biyilirra:  Darriba, Narri.

I give our respect to the Larrakia People: Elders, Men and Women.

To all First Nations custodians present I also pay my respect.

Two years ago, this ceremony was the first that I had attended as the Administrator of the Northern Territory. So, it is special to me and I am very happy to see you again and to join you once more for the Northern Territory Board of Studies Student Awards Presentation.

It is not an exaggeration but simply the truth to say that youth are our future. The Northern Territory is a unique and wonderful place, and whether you stay or leave, we are proud to have you here during your schooling.

I have the tremendous privilege this evening of awarding the 2024 Administrator’s Medals to two young Territorians who are outstanding in all respects. The Administrator’s Medals are awarded to a year 6 and a year 9 student every year. I understand that the NT Board of Studies was very impressed with the standard of the 2024 nominees and had a difficult time to decide on the winners.

To start with the younger recipient, the 2024 Administrator’s Medal for Primary Years Scholar recipient is Miss Scarlett Parkin of Haileybury Rendall School. Her school describes her as an outstanding student, a strong role model to her peers, and in possession of passion, resilience and grit.

She was 2024 Environment Captain, a member of the champion Tournament of the Minds team, and is extremely well-rounded. Scarlett speaks Indonesian and Chinese, plays netball and other sport, dances, plays the flute and saxophone and is a passionate reader. Scarlett, I can see that the future for you is very, very bright.

The recipient of the 2024 Administrator’s Medal for Middle School Scholar is Miss Jemma Stark of Sanderson Middle School. Jemma is a gifted and driven high achiever, a straight-A student and winner of the Enterprise Award.

Jemma is school captain, a member of the Northern Territory Learning Commission and represented the Northern Territory at the We are More conference. She is a regular emcee, a fundraiser, a champion badminton player, a volunteer and an ice cream artisan. Jemma, you are amazing.

To both of you, your academic achievements, personal conduct and active involvement in your communities are incredible. You are on a great path to success and being leaders in your communities.

I would like to congratulate all of the nominees and of the award winners here this evening. Well done for all of your hard work, determination and inspiration. You are truly the pride of the Territory.