Speech delivered on Sunday 26 October 2025, Uluru, NT

Good morning, everybody. I am so happy to be here in Mutitjulu.

It's a place where, as you know, my predecessor, Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephens, handed the Anangu the title to the deeds of this land 40 years ago. 

It was another one of my predecessors, Sir William Deane, who said that governors-general should always live and exemplify compassion. He spent a lot of time in remote communities, and he told me, before I became your Governor-General, that I must always show care for this place.

I start, of course, by acknowledging the Aṉangu Traditional Owners, elders past – those we've lost – and present, and the very senior Aṉangu who are here this afternoon, and the family and community members who've travelled here from across the region. Thank you for hosting me at Muṯitjulu Corporation this morning.

I also want to acknowledge: 

• The Hon Steve Edgington MLA, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs (NT)   
• Senator the Hon Kerrynne Liddle, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians  
• Members of the Uluru Kata Tjuta [JULTA] National Park Joint Board of Management, including Chair Tapaya Edwards, Reuben Burton, Alison Carroll, Selina Kulitja, Rita Okai, Harry Wilson and Craig Woods.  

Yesterday, we celebrated.

The inma performed by Aṉangu was just extraordinary generous for all of us who came to see it.

Sammy Wilson's words of welcome.

The songs of Mutitjula school and the Handback choir.

The power of Shellie Morris’ voice and the words of Shane Howard’s ‘Solid Rock’ 

It was a welcome all of us who have travelled here to celebrate your connection to country, your strength in culture and your custodianship of this place. 

Yesterday started with a powerful thunderstorm with rain cascading over the rock just behind me, glistening as the day began, bringing Uluru to life the day before the anniversary.

As you have said, Alison [Carroll], ‘It’s for everybody, to come here and to see this rock and be happy’.

I had gone to Uluru with Sally Scales and Walter, who shared with us that the rock is for everybody.

We arrived at Uluru in the dawn light, just as its shape and the color was beginning to emerge from the dark of night.

It was a day like this, but it ended just like it started, thunder, rolling, lightning and big rain, cleansing the day.

Uluru that you all know so well, is so present, drawing people from around the world and across Australia. 

Today, I think, is a more solemn day as Vincent will unveil the plaque in a moment commemorating the fire of the elders, which led the Aṉangu 40 years ago to reclaim Uluru – Kata Tjuta.

This will be a permanent memorial for future generations to remember and rejoice.

It says on it ’40 years ago Aṉangu law and culture was truly recognised’.

A little earlier when we met with the elders this morning, we presented a photo from 40 years ago – in the centre, of course, is Reggie, as he is here today. It is appropriate for Reggie to be here as we return that photo.

It’s important, I think, to see the joy in that photo, the struggle won by the people who are warmed by the same sun, standing on the same earth, and celebrating the same moment, when Aṉangu reclaimed Uluru – Kata Tjuta.

Everything we're doing today is simply an echo from the past. It calls us now, loudly and firmly, hopefully, to be optimistic, grab hold of what was done 40 years ago. Represent the fire of those elders from 40 years ago, which still burns, even brighter, igniting the flames of leadership in young leaders of the future. 

Now, I must leave you my dear friends, who have welcomed me and my team so generously, just as you always have. You welcome everybody who comes here, and you always will. I will keep strong the memory, the beauty and generosity of your spirit, the fire of your culture, connection and belonging.

Thank you.