Official Visit to Croydon State School

Mayor, Cr Pickering; teachers, staff and students at Croydon State School. Thank you welcoming me so warmly this morning.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders. I further thank the Junior Captains for their welcome to country, and the School Captains for that wonderful recitation of the School creed.

Today is the first time I have visited this part of the Gulf Savannah country, and what an amazing and historic place it is!

As Governor and The Queen’s representative in this State, one of my most important jobs is to visit the people and places that contribute to making Queensland so diverse and interesting.

I particularly enjoy meeting the young people in our communities, who demonstrate so much enthusiasm and energy.

Since 1890, children from town and the surrounding areas have been learning at this School, and even though it is now much smaller than it was during the gold mining days, its size provides unique advantages.

You all know each other. You have the chance to work and play together, across the age groups. You can form friendships that celebrate similarities and differences.

This “togetherness” is what makes communities strong—asking for help when you need it, being ready to lend a hand to others, joining in and sharing.  

Your dedicated teachers ensure, that despite being remote, you do not miss out on lots of fun activities and opportunities. It certainly looks like your recent Science Day was an interesting experience! 

Attending school is important, because apart from what you are taught in the classroom, you learn about what is possible, and this may shape what you choose to do in the future, when you grow up. 

Soon I will read you all a delightful book about a dog, called Gavel, who lives at Government House in Brisbane. When Gavel first started working, he was a police dog, but this job did not suit him at all. 

It took him a long time, with lots of intriguing twists and turns along the way, before he discovered he was perfect as Queensland’s Vice-Regal Dog. But Gavel would not have got there if he had not been keen to always learn more about himself and others.

I am very glad to be leaving everyone with a personal copy of the illustrated book! 

Students, I encourage you to keep your minds open, try new things, and as your school motto says, to always “Strive Forward”. 

I am excited to be spending the day in Croydon, so I can discover more about this place, and see first-hand why you are so proud to call it home.

Thank you for making the start of my visit here so memorable.