Announcement of Paralympic Flag Bearers

Good afternoon, everyone.

It is very special to be introduced by my friend Kurt Fearnley.

We have worked together in so many ways over the years and I often reflect on Kurt’s belief that we should always, ‘see not only what is physically possible but is humanly possible’. 

Thank you Kurt, for all of your leadership and friendship over time.

On this glorious Sydney afternoon, I acknowledge that this morning we gather on the lands of the traditional custodians— the Cammeraygal People of the Eora Nation — and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of NSW and surrounding regions.

I pay my respects to their elders, past and present.

I would like to acknowledge 

  • The Honourable Anika Wells MP, Member for Lilley; Mister for Sport; and Minister for Aged Care
  • Ms Alison Creagh AM CSC, President, Paralympics Australia
  • Mr Cameron Murray, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Paralympics Australia; and Board Members of Paralympics Australia
  • Ms Kate McLoughlin, Chef de Mission
  • Athletes, Supporters, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Sunday marks the end of NAIDOC week – a time of great celebration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country.

I know how much the long Indigenous history of this country means to the Paralympic movement.

To date, 14 athletes who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people have competed in the Paralympics under the Australian flag.

And, given the importance of this week, when we celebrate excellence of First Nations people, I’d like to pay respect to the life of recently passed Paralympian Uncle Kevin Coombs.

As you all know, he was an Australian wheelchair basketballer and athlete who competed at five Paralympic Games, including the first ever Games in 1960.

Awarded a Medal of the Order of Australian in 1983, Kevin was a founding father of the Paralympic movement, and the first Aboriginal Paralympic competitor for Australia.

I think in this week it is wonderful that we recognise his life and the enduring and wide contribution that he made to the Paralympic movement.

I like to think that he would be so happy and proud to see Yuin woman and artist Rheanna Lotter’s design 'The journey' on your team uniform, which says so much about the Paralympic movement.

I’m so pleased to welcome you to my first official engagement at Admiralty House. 

I couldn’t tell you how happy I am that it is for this very important event.

As a place of welcome, Admiralty House, like Government House in Canberra, belongs to all Australians.
It is a place to recognise excellence and honour achievement.

A place to acknowledge the people who are at the heart of our communities and our country.

I’m delighted that our gathering today coincides with my appointment as Patron-in-Chief of Paralympics Australia - the first Patronage that I will be announcing in my term as Governor-General.

And delighted that I can join you in congratulating the two Australian Paralympic team members who will shortly be announced as flag bearers for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

This is a defining moment in your Paralympic journey.

The flagbearers will carry the legacy of all Paralympians who have represented Australia throughout the history of the Games, and the hopes of our nation.

We share in your thrill at what lies ahead.

Celebrating and encouraging people, organisations and communities whose values and impact make such a difference to us all is a key focus for me in this job.

The Paralympic movement is one of those groups that makes a profound difference in this country and the world.

Every day, training or competing, Australia’s Paralympians challenge the idea of what is possible.

With resilience and focus, energy and optimism, you prove that sport really can change lives for the better. 

So often, my friends in the Paralympic movement – many that are here today – have taught me the meaning of discipline.

The discipline to pursue that which is essential to your sense of identity and wellbeing, to set goals and meet goals, to forge ahead, and to compete fiercely. 

All of our Paralympians demonstrate that discipline doesn’t come at the cost of kindness, care and respect.

And, as is clear from the community of athletes, coaches and administrators who remain lifelong members of the Paralympic family, the values you champion are also the values you live by. 

Throughout the decades, our athletes have worked alongside Australians with disabilities to achieve recognition, challenge attitudes and break down barriers.

To our Paralympians, your fierce approach to life and sport makes anything possible.

In Paris, you will compete fiercely for the Paralympic movement, your sport and our country.

As a team, I am sure everyone will look after each other and learn from one another.

I hope that they all support and nurture each other. 

Cherish the memories and friendships that will remain in your hearts long into the future.

And carry that Aussie spirit to the world.

Here at home, Australia will be watching.

We’re going to be gripped, and often breathless, watching you all in action.

And overjoyed to celebrate with you on your triumphant return.

The Paralympians, teammates, supporters, coaches and administrators, are the pride of our nation.

Thank you.