CPL Capalaba Centre Open Day

Good morning. I too acknowledge our elected representatives, and the wonderful CPL board, staff and supporters gathered here today. Thank you for the very warm welcome you have extended to me on this, my first visit to CPL. It is also my first visit as Patron, which I was honoured to accept shortly after being sworn-in as Queensland’s 26^th Governor last year.

I particularly thank my friend Mr Michael Cumner for today’s invitation. Michael is a very enthusiastic Government House supporter, and a regular at Fernberg events, too, including at our inaugural Christmas Lights display last year.

This wonderful Queensland institution has now served the people of Queensland and Northern New South Wales for more than sixty-five years – twenty-one years here in Capalaba.

It has grown to become one of the largest service providers in our State, supporting more than eight thousand children and adults.

That is a fine record which truly deserves the advocacy of a patron.

The concept of a vice-regal patron may to some seem to belong to another age, another time – but it is a role which I certainly take very seriously. This involves recognition the organisation has engendered wider respect and trust within the community.

That is plainly the case with CPL. As I am sure my tour of this marvellous new centre will shortly confirm, the relocated services offered here will enable clients to fully embrace the CPL motto of ‘choice, passion and life’.

The centre will also ready CPL for the start of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Queensland on the first of July next year.

I expect everyone here has been closely monitoring the interstate roll-out of the Scheme since it began on the first of July twenty-thirteen.

There is additional significance to today’s celebrations: this is Disability Action Week. And I know the staff of CPL are marking this important annual week of recognition as they do year-round – living the ‘CPL way’: understanding each client as an individual, providing excellent service, and working together to make a real difference to the lives of those with Cerebral Palsy.

I wish you all well for the remainder of Disability Action Week, and indeed for today’s Open Day. It really is a pleasure as Governor and Patron to be able to support your work, particularly as you mark 21 years here in Capalaba – may that continue for at least 21 more!