Afternoon Tea to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Youngcare

Kaye and I warmly welcome the extended family of Youngcare to Government House today.

Though we may not quite match Bernard Fanning’s public profile, we are delighted to play our part in celebrating and profiling Youngcare’s tenth anniversary this year.

Youngcare began in a small way and in response to a specific set of circumstances.

In that respect, I am honoured to recognise and acknowledge today the memory and legacy of Shevaune Conry, and the pioneering work of her husband, David, and his friends. 

Together, they provided the impetus for the establishment of Youngcare as a vehicle to provide appropriate accommodation for young people who need substantial levels of care as a result of a life-changing event, such as an accident or a diagnosis. 

Aged care institutions were once almost the only places where the required level of support could be provided.

But, with the utmost respect to all the wonderful carers in our aged care sector, these facilities were not and are not designed around the needs and aspirations of young people. 

Over the past decade, Youngcare has developed a variety of models to meet this gap. There is now a variety of accommodation options in Brisbane, and interstate, for young people needing care. And grant programs to provide practical support to those living at home. 

Youngcare has also been active in providing information and education, input to government policies, and supporting research.

This is a marvellous record, and today is a time to reflect on the organisation’s achievements over the past decade. 

I thank wholeheartedly the Board, executive and staff of Youngcare, Youngcare Ambassadors, families and others carers, the organisation’s corporate partners, supporters, fund-raisers and donors. I particularly acknowledge too the presence today of Youngcare’s founders.

You have changed, for the better, the lives of the young people who have been fortunate enough to find shelter under Youngcare’s wing.

Kaye and I, on behalf of communities all over Queensland, congratulate you on this year’s significant anniversary.

We thank you, most sincerely, for a decade of commitment, hard work, generosity and achievement in the service of young people in our State. And we wish Youngcare a long and successful future. Thank you.