Sam Walsh's speech at the AbaF Awards 2011
"What a surprise and indeed a great honour to be the recipient of the Richard Pratt Business Arts Leadership Award.
During my career I have been privileged to have worked with many true leaders: pioneers who have created something from nothing; visionaries who have unearthed riches through imagination and innovation; and managers who have mobilised their teams to mine the wealth of resources at their disposal.
And that’s before I start reflecting on my day jobs in the automotive and mining industries.
Because I am in fact referring to leadership in the arts, where the deep well of cultural capital is contributing greatly to the progress of our society.
My personal affiliation with the arts stems from the recognition that well-rounded individuals and companies make for well-rounded communities. And well-rounded communities are critical to the economic and social health of a state.
To the uninitiated, mining and the arts make for strange bedfellows. However, I am unwavering in my commitment to explore and exploit the strong synergies that exist: our common pursuit of innovation; our dedication to thriving regional communities; our goals of excellence and leading practice.
In Western Australia the arts and business sectors are developing a cultural engine room that is humming in sync with economic growth.
As someone leading in this space, I feel keenly my responsibility to encourage business and government to partner with the arts in building a future in which creative capital is highly valued.
At Rio Tinto we have learned that when all sectors work together we are collectively better resourced to think bolder and dream bigger.
The power of partnerships has long been promoted by AbaF, and I salute Jane Haley and her team for their leadership in this regard.
I also acknowledge the dedication and commitment of my fellow cultural leaders, my peers in the business community, my colleagues at Rio Tinto, and my family and friends.
We are living and working in a global environment of uncertainty; of patchy domestic economic conditions and social and environmental challenges.
But let this not be an excuse for paralysis or complacency. We must continue to stay assured, take risks and to seek out opportunities that will enrich us as individuals, groups and communities.
I urge you all to put on your hard hats, explore new ground and stake your claim in a sector that is abundant with potential.
I can assure you that you will discover the mother lode in partnerships with the arts.
Thank you."