Speech to graduates of the Fearless Women mentoring program, Government House, Yarralumla
Welcome, everyone, to Government House.
You are all so welcome here.
Already in this very privileged role, I have been meeting fearless, impressive and inspiring women from so many different backgrounds and walks of life.
Elders from the region’s Ngunnawal and Ngambri communities.
Multicultural advocates and social justice champions.
Senior members of the Australian Government and Defence Force.
Business leaders and athletes.
Women who are caring for those experiencing violence and disrespect.
Women who are the heart of modern, optimistic Australia.
And, tonight, I am so happy to be spending time celebrating you, a group of Australia’s extraordinary young women.
I deeply value your energy, experiences and insights and I want to hear your voices.
The young women in my life – including my 24-year-old daughter and her friends and colleagues – continue to teach me that you are an exceptional generation.
You have faced dislocating challenges and rapid change.
And out of the tumult and disruption, you have emerged as our teachers.
Showing us that the strength to be fearless comes from the depth of your kindness, compassion, care and inclusion.
And your courage.
Glenda, you so beautifully described what it means to be fearless when you said,
‘It’s not just bold, it’s not just brave, it’s actually understanding all the challenges, and stepping forward anyway.’
We know that challenge and change doesn’t come without a cost.
The evidence shows that many young women are struggling.
Last week I spent a morning with staff at the Kids Helpline counselling centre in Melbourne.
They told me that 80 per cent of their calls and webchats are from young women aged between 5 and 25 who are worried about today, and anxious for the future ...
... facing changes in mental health ...
... feeling lonely and stressed.
But, as Fearless Women’s programs show, that reality can change.
With the right support, girls and young women can fear less, hope more, and live with confidence.
And it is you, the first graduates of the Fearless Women Mentor Program, who are the vital, vibrant proof of that.
Mentoring creates special relationships.
When you stand at a fork in the road, mentors can help you to see the right path ahead.
And encourage you to take the first steps along it.
But mentoring is never a one-way street.
The benefits are mutual, and profound.
In mentoring others to believe that they are unique and valued, we also grow as fearless women.
I have experienced this throughout my life – as the beneficiary of selfless, generous mentoring and support from the women who were there for me.
Women like Anne Summers, Wendy McCarthy, Ann Sherry, Aunty Pat Anderson, Maha Abdo and so many others.
Some years ago, a few women and I founded the Minerva Network to mentor and support our brilliant young women athletes – and many of them are now competing at the Olympics.
There’s no doubt that their mentors have been the great beneficiaries of their wisdom.
As Governor-General, I have the great privilege of learning about groups across Australia that care for our communities.
They are the heart of our country.
And they encourage us all to lift our sights and work together to create a thriving society.
Some have existed for decades, evolving and growing with our nation.
Others emerge in response to an urgent need and achieve extraordinary things at remarkable speed.
Fearless Women has done just that.
In only two years, you have made a positive difference in the lives of young women who came to you struggling with life’s challenges …
… and introduced the joy of mentoring to women who want their friendship to be the source of a young woman’s confidence and courage.
Yours is a story to celebrate and share.
Thank you for bringing it to Government House.
And congratulations to the wonderfully fearless graduates, it’s a joy to be with you.