2006 Speeches

Address by TSRA Deputy Chairperson

 Mr Fred Gela

Thursday Island High School Graduation

16 November 2006

Good evening. I would like to begin by acknowledging:

• The traditional owners of this land
• Elders present tonight
• Teachers
• Parents
• Friends and Family

It is a great pleasure to be here tonight to be part of your final year celebrations and may I add that you all look fantastic in your dresses and suits! 

Tonight is one of the last moments that you will sit with all the members of the class of 2006, and with you all here, I would like to begin my presentation with a quote from George Washington Carver, an African-American, who was born during the slavery era in America in the 1800’s, and went on to become an honoured scientist.  

Mr Carver once said, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom,” and as we sit here tonight, I’d like you to think about what that means. 

After twelve years of schooling, including the personal sacrifices and support from your parents, and the constant guidance and direction from your teachers, your future is now in your hands and it is important to know that some of the decisions that you make now, can affect the rest of your life. 

I would like to encourage you to use your “key,” – your knowledge learned from school, from your parents, elders and as a member of the Torres Strait family – and to not sit back, but to take the initiative and open that door to further develop yourselves and as the next adult generation for the region, to create a positive future for our community. 

When the final bell rings on your last day, it does not mean the end of your learning. Learning is one important skill that we need to foster and continue. When that bell rings, it will signify a turning point in your life, a time to decide which path and direction you will take through your adult life. 

Thursday Island High School has produced many graduates who have gone on to represent the Torres Strait, hold important positions and have diverse careers, from being policemen, Australian Government Department Managers and Island Council Chairpersons. 

You are all capable of following similar fields or creating your own career paths. It is all at your fingertips, and help is available to assist you begin your new journey, all you need is to ask.  

I know for some of you university, may not be for you, but there are other options, like TAFE, apprenticeships, and traineeships. Your life is in your hands and it is now up to you to create your future. 

I would like to now ask you to give a round of applause to your parents, who have been there for you every step of the way during the last twelve years, encouraging and supporting you all the way. 

I also ask you to again give another round of applause to your dedicated teachers, who with their dedication, have worked tirelessly with you to bring you to this new point in your lives. 

As I end my speech tonight, I would like to end with this quote from early 1900’s hotel entrepreneur Conrad Hilton, “Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.” 

I ask that you keep moving, keep learning, and use that “key” to build a strong and healthy foundation for yourselves, your family and the Torres Strait.