Official Visit to Clermont State High School

Mayor Baker; Councillors; Acting Principal Mrs Dyer; Clermont State High School students, staff and supporters. It is a great honour to join you all, as we go about celebrating – almost to the day – 150 years of State education in your wonderful town.

I at once acknowledge the traditional custodians of these lands, and express respect to their Elders past and present.

In 1887, some twenty years after the Clermont State School first opened its doors in August 1867, Queensland’s sixth Governor, Sir Anthony Musgrave, made a visit to the School.

According to newspaper reports at the time, Governor Musgrave was greeted at Clermont by some 200 students singing the national anthem.

And while Kaye and I were delighted to be welcomed in a similar manner today – by enthusiastic students of Clermont State High School – it is a manner of some disappointment that another element of Governor Musgrave’s visit could not be replicated:

I cannot grant you a public holiday like he did in 1887! The Governor unfortunately no longer has that power.

But Kaye and I are nonetheless delighted to be with you today.

I was very pleased to read about the time capsule which was buried 50 years ago during the Clermont State School’s 100th anniversary, and unveiled on Friday.

The contents will no doubt provide a fascinating insight into the life of the town and its secondary students in 1967.

Kaye and I love visiting regional towns and communities. We have been to hundreds of them, all over Queensland, and we particularly enjoy visiting schools.

In just the last seven days, we have been to Moranbah, Charters Towers, Mackay, Airlie Beach, Proserpine and toured the Whitsunday Islands.

My message to you is simple: take advantage of the opportunities with which you are presented; and thank those who assist you along the way, particularly your parents, friends and teachers.

Kaye and I look forward to shortly touring the science centre and the 150 years display at the Library.

We thank the Acting Principal, staff and all students for making us feel so welcome at your wonderful School. We wish you a tremendously successful 2017 academic year.