Official Visit to Winton State School

Thank you very much for welcoming me to Winton State School.

Ever since my first visit to Winton in 2015, people have told me that this is a very special school.

The reason why was clear before I even got out of the car, from that wonderful sign out the front that tells the world about the “The Winton Way”, of Learners and Leaders who are Safe, Responsible and Respectful.

“The Winton Way” sets a high standard for everyone, and these values will serve the students well long after their time here at Winton State School is finished.

I would also like to thank the student leaders and Principal of St Patrick’s School for coming to meet us this morning.

Winton has been important to the Governors of Queensland ever since it was founded.

Waltzing Matilda was first performed in public for Governor Lamington, in 1900.

(He’s a memorable Governor, because it is after him that Lamington were named!)

Our longest-serving Governor, Sir Leslie Wilson, visited Winton in 1933 and I can’t top him either, because he made a public holiday of the occasion.

What I have done is bring Government House from Brisbane to the Central West Region, and today to Winton.

(It’s not quite as appealing as a cake or a public holiday, but I still think it’s pretty good.)

During Regional Government House, I will be performing all the constitutional and civic duties that I normally undertake as Governor at Government House in Brisbane.

One of those civic duties is to recognise those in our community who achieve excellence. 

So I commend all the students from Winton State School and St Patrick’s who took part in the Bush Poetry Competition last month, and extend my special congratulations to the Winton State School 5/6 class who took first place.

It is terrific to see our poetic heritage come alive in a new generation, and it is inspiring to see the learning taking place across the board as you do things “the Winton Way” at this wonderful school. Thank you.