Doomadgee Community Afternoon Tea

Good afternoon, everyone – and thank you for welcoming Kaye and me so very warmly.

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this region. Queensland is enriched by its Indigenous cultures, and they are very much an essential part of our State’s contemporary makeup.

The Gulf is a much cherished part of our State, and that is largely because the people who live here, in perhaps the most remote corner of Queensland, are also some of the State’s most genuine, and big-hearted people.

This is Kaye’s and my fourth day touring this region. We have so far been to Normanton, Burketown and Karumba.

This morning we were delighted to tour the Doomadgee State School; it is quite evident that it is a school with a very strong connection to the wider Doomadgee community.

This is a wonderful reflection on you all.

Kaye and I take away something unique from each community we visit.

For each visit to a new town or community provides us with the opportunity to offer support and encouragement, and to promote values which bind us, and uplift us; this is certainly the case with Doomadgee, we are delighted to be here, to support you all, as best we can.

I would like to thank our newly elected Mayor, Councillor Waldon, and the Council for hosting and transporting us today.Kaye and I very much look forward to meeting more of you this afternoon. Thank you.