Visit to Karumba State School

Good afternoon, everyone – and thank you for making Kaye and me so very welcome here at your school.

I begin by respectfully acknowledging the Traditional Owners, and elders past and present. All Queenslanders have much to gain from a greater understanding of our Indigenous heritage.

Today, Kaye and I are almost at the end of our busy, five-day visit to the communities of the Gulf. It has been our first official visit to this region since I became Governor in July twenty-fourteen – and what an inspiring experience it has been for us both!

We’ve met so many wonderful people – community leaders, volunteers, artists, Indigenous land- and sea-rangers, students, parents – and during the weekend, we even met some of the local wildlife when we visited Karumba’s Barramundi Discovery Centre and went croc-spotting on the Norman River.

It is very pleasing to learn of Karumba State School’s involvement in events throughout the region. It is certainly difficult to imagine any other school where, in the space of just two weeks, students have the opportunity to be involved in a sports day in Normanton seventy kilometres away, ANZAC Day commemorations in their home town, and a carnival in Croydon which is almost three hours away.

You also enjoy in this school the individual attention of teachers like your new Principal, Ms Schell, who are passionate about teaching – this advantage is not enjoyed by students in other schools in the State.

For the students of Karumba State School, distance is no barrier to a quality education when you have a supportive, engaged community and teachers who are enthusiastic and committed. I wish you well in your studies and urge you to seize every opportunity with that same enthusiasm and energy.