Reception for Young Entrepreneur Summit hosted by Fiftysix Creations

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, young entrepreneurs, welcome.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners and First Nations peoples of the lands on which we are gathered. I pay my respects to Yugara and Turrbal Elders past, present and emerging.

Kaye and I are delighted to host you today ahead of the Young Entrepreneur Summit tomorrow. We are just delighted so many students are here today, at what really is ‘your’ Government House!

As I look around the room, I am inspired by the talented youth before me who have chosen to develop their skills as entrepreneurs.

Being an entrepreneur is more than being the founder of a company or the creator of a new app: it’s a mindset and way of life. Entrepreneurs are a different kind of clever, they see the world not as it is but as it could be.

Entrepreneurs are often trailblazers who lead the charge in creating solutions to challenges the rest of us have not yet fully comprehended.

Innovation is not limited to one field or one place; entrepreneurs come from many backgrounds and disciplines and from all over the world – big cities, small towns, innovation can happen anywhere and everywhere.

Some of the great innovations throughout history have crossed multiple disciplines and even sparked social change – think of the printing press, paper currency, double-entry bookkeeping, electricity, the internet… I should even add to that list ‘FaceApp’! I mention that because Taj used that app on an image of himself with me to humorous effect on his Instagram account shortly after he came to Government House last month!

Perhaps in this room lies the creator of the next great advance in technology or business or communications.

And so it is apt that the acronym of Young Entrepreneur Summit is ‘YES'. Take this mindset with you tomorrow, and beyond.

It is with thanks and admiration that I recognise Taj and the team at Fiftysix Creations who facilitate the Young Entrepreneur Summit, including the many sponsors and supporters.

I applaud all participants for committing time for your own professional and personal development.  

I wish you all the best for the Summit tomorrow at our uniquely stunning Redlands Coast, and hope that you are inspired to continue your entrepreneurial journey. Thank you.