Speech delivered on Wednesday, 8 April 2026 Guides Hall, Yarralumla, Canberra.

I’ll also start by acknowledging Country, to acknowledge that we are on Ngunnawal and Ngambri land, and I pay my respects to Elders past and present. You made a beautiful statement about respecting culture, which I agree with, and I would also like to acknowledge any First Nations people who are here with us in the audience today.

I would also like to acknowledge Jo Tonham, Regional Manager for the ACT and South East New South Wales, and State Commissioner for Girl Guides New South Wales, ACT and the Northern Territory; Kirsten Taylor, Deputy State Commissioner for Girl Guides New South Wales, ACT and the NT; and Rachel Fife, Deputy State Commissioner for Girl Guides New South Wales, ACT. We have such a wonderful representation here today.

I’d also like to formally acknowledge — and I will do it individually as we go — but I want to thank, as a group, our youth awardees. It’s very special to be here with you to make these awards, and to see you joined by your families, who care so much about you and are such a part of the story of Guides.

Now, of course, we are here for a very important reason. We are celebrating the achievements of wonderful girls and young women from across the ACT and the surrounding region, and the many families and volunteers and leaders who support you.

To all of the recipients today, I want to say a very big congratulations. Today is all about you. We’re here because we are so proud of everything you’ve done. Each of you is being recognised not just for completing a set of tasks, but for the personal journey you are on. It’s a journey that’s already required hard work, commitment, curiosity, courage and perseverance.

You’ve done this across every age level in Guides, and those ages are very varied, but you’ve all challenged yourselves to step outside your comfort zone. That takes confidence — and it builds confidence. You take those big steps, you meet those challenges, and you become more confident about the next thing you might do.

During my time as Patron of Girl Guides Australia, I’ve learned a lot about who you are and the work you do — what you care about and just how much you give to communities across our country. I want you to know this: when you’re a Girl Guide, you belong to something very special. You’re part of a community of friends, a place of belonging, where care, kindness and respect are not just words, but foundational principles.

Girl Guides is about challenging yourself while supporting others. It’s about learning to care for your community and for this beautiful country we’re privileged to call home — whether through environmental action, community service, leadership, entrepreneurship or learning new skills. Guides make a real and lasting difference, not just when you’re young, but across your life.

Girls and young women, you’re growing up in an increasingly complex world. Among all the exciting opportunities, there are also new challenges. I’ve seen it over the course of my own daughter’s life — she’s now 26 — and as a mum, you see things change over time. You’re navigating pressures and standards that aren’t always fair or reflective of your values or who you are.

In that world, Girl Guides is truly invaluable — a place of belonging, of care, kindness and respect, and a place for learning and growth. A place where you can feel empowered, form lifelong friendships, and seek adventure. Girl Guides Australia has remained true to its longstanding ideals: doing your best, developing your beliefs and serving your community.

As today’s award recipients, you reflect those ideals beautifully. By completing your peak achievement awards, you’ve demonstrated determination, leadership and a willingness to grow. You’re showing your peers, your families, your communities — and me — what’s possible when young people are supported to pursue and achieve personal goals.

Today also recognises the many people who have guided, mentored and encouraged you — the volunteers and leaders across the ACT and Southeast New South Wales, and of course your families. Thank you for being examples of kindness, care, patience and enthusiasm, and for creating safe spaces where young girls can thrive and learn to be engaged, active citizens.

You contribute to environmental campaigns like Clean Up Australia Day, and social equality initiatives like Share the Dignity. Guides continues to make important contributions across communities and across the country.

When I was sworn in as Governor-General in July 2024, I promised to put care, kindness and respect at the centre of everything I do — care for each other, care for those who care for others, care for our continent and our environment, care for our civics and institutions, and care for how we discuss the issues of our time. We can wrestle with ideas, but always with respect.

You live these values every day. I am so proud to be your Patron. You embody care and respect — for yourselves and each other, for your communities, your environment and your future.

To all the award recipients, I hope you are proud of what you’ve achieved. The qualities you’re developing — resilience, integrity, curiosity and care — will stay with you throughout your lives. And to the families: thank you for your love and support.

Congratulations to you all. I look forward to shaking your hands as you receive your awards — and possibly even enjoying a bit of that beautiful cake. Thank you everybody. It’s an absolute joy to be here with you today.