Friday 13 February 2026

Language Disorder Australia, Board Chair, Mr Peter Seldon and Members of the Board; Executive Director and Head of Mancel College, Mr Craig Duncan; Mancel College Leadership Team, staff, students, and members of the wider school community; distinguished guests; 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, and I thank 2026 College Captain, Mr Lachlan Dowell, for his Acknowledgment of Country.

It is a pleasure to be joining students, families, staff and guests of Mancel College today in celebrating this significant moment in the school year, the 2026 Student Leadership Assembly.

As Governor, I am proud to acknowledge these deserving young Queenslanders who have made individual and collective contributions to college life in order to enhance the school experience for all students.  And I look forward to presenting you with your leadership badges and some very special medallions shortly!

Being a community leader myself, I appreciate the challenges and rewards of the role you are about to undertake—and perhaps most importantly, the need for perseverance in effective leadership practice, as well as in all aspects of life.

Student leaders, like all leaders, will face challenges. There will be times when your course of action is derailed or your opportunities for success are impeded. It is precisely at these moments that perseverance matters most—because if your cause is worthwhile, the outcome is worth pursuing. Stay the course, get the job done, persevere.  

Naturally, you haven’t waited for a leadership title to be bestowed upon you before engaging positively with your school community; the title has come because you have already shown your dedication to making Mancel College a place where all can feel valued and included.

As one of Australia’s only specialist Prep-to-12 schools dedicated entirely to supporting students with language disorder, Mancel College is an extraordinary educational institution. It is a unique place, and you have been selected for leadership because you reflect its special qualities —embodying the Mancel Model, with mind, body and heart at its core.

This year marks 50 years of educational leadership in the field of language disorder for Mancel College, making it a special year to assume a leadership role.

No doubt, there will be many occasions throughout this year to celebrate the successes of the college, and in so doing highlight the wonderful support given to students here.

As leaders of the student body and representatives of the college, you will demonstrate through your actions the values on which it was founded by psychologist Mancel Ellis Robinson, and which continue to sustain it 50 years on.

To lead is to serve others and lift them up. In carrying forward this legacy, I know you will shine your light on others and help illuminate their path to shared achievement.

I wish you success in your work this year and congratulate each of you on the special honour of becoming a member of the student leadership team of Mancel College 2026. Thank you.