Mancel College 2025 Student Leadership Assembly

Councillor for Walter Taylor Ward, Councillor Penny Wolff; Language Disorder Australia Board Chair, Mr Peter Seldon; Mancel College Principal, Mr Peter Foster; Chair of the Student Representative Council, Mr Lincoln O'Mahon; invited guests; staff and students; ladies and gentlemen.

I too, begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning.

As Governor of Queensland, I am always thrilled to be invited to events where young Queenslanders are being applauded for their contributions to community building.

The bestowment of a leadership role signifies that you have contributed to your college community in several exceptional ways. It is also a sign that those who selected you for this honour believe you will set a good example throughout 2025.

Shortly I will have the pleasure of presenting badges to several young people who have applied themselves to their studies and equally to extracurricular life at Mancel College.

Each of these young leaders has consistently demonstrated fine character, been supportive of others, and upheld the values that underpin Mancel College. And there is high confidence that together with Mr Foster and college leaders, teachers and staff, you will assist students and their families to fully engage in the life of the college.

Leadership often brings with it many plaudits, especially from those who have followed your educational and social journey. You should quite rightly feel proud of yourselves.

But leadership isn’t just about accolades, as I am sure you well know.

Leadership is about working on behalf of others. It’s about service to those who need it and about lifting others up.

And while you should certainly enjoy your moment to bask in the spotlight, I hope you also feel an inclination to shine it on those around you.

The Founder of Mancel College was herself a fine leader. In 1976 when Mancel Ellis Robinson identified a need in the field of Language Disorder involving young people and their educational outcomes, she set about working on their behalf.

This work has led to the delivery of over 40 years of high-quality, differentiated and individualised learning for those who need it.

Mrs. Robinson lifted others up and allowed them to shine in individual and independent ways. She paved the way for others to succeed.

And I foresee this is exactly what you will do as you exercise your strengths as student leaders this year.

I congratulate today’s awardees and the entire Mancel College community and offer my best wishes to all for a happy and successful year. Thank you.