Presentation for National Wattle Day, Government House
[E&OE]
I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Ngunnawal People, and pay my respects to their elders, past and present, emerging leaders and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders gathered here today.
You always know it is spring in Australia when you start seeing beautiful golden wattle everywhere.
It is a unique Australian native plant.
Our national floral emblem.
And the Governor-General’s own crest features a crown and wattle.
This year is the 20th anniversary of primary school students, just like you, coming to Government House to celebrate Wattle Day (which is on 1 September).
It is the first visit for Duffy Primary.
And Linda and I look forward to meeting you all and receiving the wonderful basket of wattle you have so generously brought with you.
Wattle Day is all about appreciating wattle and celebrating what it is, and means, to be Australian.
It is a day to appreciate how fortunate we are.
A day to remember that we are strongest and at our best when we look out for our neighbours and when we respect and care for each other.
Wattle Day contributes to this:
- presenting sprigs of wattle to new citizens
- selling wattle badges to raise money for our rural firefighters
- and even organising street parties, community festivals and nature walks to bring people and communities together.
One person who for many years did a great job promoting Wattle Day was Jack Fahy.
Earlier this year, Jack was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia for his ‘service to National Wattle Day celebrations’.
I look forward to presenting his award to his wife Florence at a ceremony right here in this room later this year.
So, welcome all to Government House.
Thank you for being part of Wattle Day.
As young people you are the future of our country, and I wish you well with your school work and all the adventures that lie ahead.
I have every faith that you will do yourselves, your family and our nation proud.
Happy Wattle Day.
[Ends]