Visit to Doomadgee State School

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for making us feel so very welcome here at your school.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Doomadgee, and paying respect to past and present elders.

This is Kaye’s and my fourth day in the Gulf region. So far we have been to Normanton, Burketown and Karumba.

I was very pleased to learn that the North Queensland Cowboys brought the NRL Premiership Trophy to Doomadgee in October last year – I saw some photos of children from this school with the trophy on social media!   

I am very glad they chose to come here. It is a wonderful way to shine a light on the many extraordinary Queenslanders who live in our regions, including here in Doomadgee.

It is also a reminder that, as the Cowboys proved by winning the premiership last season (something we hope they will do again this season), success requires hard work and dedication.  

If you work hard, and you are thankful to those who support you, like your teachers and families, you can succeed!

I thank your Principal, Ms Maguire, and all your teachers; I know they work very hard, and it is a great honour to be able to meet and thank the dedicated teachers for their sustained efforts.

I know there is also a very strong sense of community at this school, which is always pleasing to see. I thank everyone who works so hard to ensure a bright future for Doomadgee.

Kaye and I look forward to touring your classrooms shortly, and meeting many of the students of this wonderful school.