Burnett Heads State School Assembly

Bundaberg Mayor, Councillor Jack Dempsey; Principal, Ms Kelly Roberts and Lead Principal, Mr Brad Roberts; staff, students and supporters.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

Thank you all most sincerely for the warm welcome you have extended to Professor Nimmo and myself this morning, and particularly for that wonderful rendition of our National Anthem.

It is so lovely to visit your school, which is perfectly positioned between where the Burnett River meets the sea, with the famous Mon Repo turtle hatchery as your neighbour!

Visiting schools is one of my very favourite parts of my job because I have the privilege of meeting all the wonderful teachers, staff and students like yourselves, and I am always so impressed! I particularly enjoy meeting the young people in our communities, because you demonstrate so much enthusiasm and energy.

I congratulate your school on recently winning The Greenest School Competition. What an incredible achievement, which is also a wonderful example of your commitment to your school’s motto of ‘Progress through participation’.

I understand that the competition organisers were impressed with the way your school reuses and recycles food and other wastes, and I too have been most impressed to learn about your sustainability initiatives – from your sorting bins and worm farms to compost bins, vegetable gardens, chickens and reef guardian activities. Thank you for all doing your part to create a cleaner, greener future.

All the best to everyone for the upcoming traditional 'Stars by the Sea' celebration and especially to the current Year 6 students as you enjoy this final term of primary school. Enjoy your camp at the end of November and treasure your graduation on the 6th of December.

Your Primary School years are special, and your effort and enthusiasm will be the basis for wonderful memories. Be guided by your teachers who work hard to ensure that you will have the best opportunities in the future.

Thank you, Burnett Heads State School, for your wonderful hospitality in hosting us today. I wish both staff and students the very best for your exciting end of year celebrations in the weeks to come.