Official Opening of the Hymba Yumba Community Hub ‘Embedding Indigenous Knowledge’ Showcase

Thank you, Mr Strong, for your kind introduction.

I would also like to thank School Captain, Ms Maybank for the Acknowledgement of Country, and the Nunukulyuggera Dance Troupe for their welcome.

Kaye and I also acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, and we respectfully acknowledge our Elders past and present. 

In my more than three decades of public life – as Judge, Chief Justice and now Governor – this is the very first time I have heard our National Anthem sung in a truly Australian language – the Yugambeh language.

It is deeply significant moment for me personally, but also for our State and nation.

We all have so much to gain from knowing more about our Indigenous cultures.

They are richly varied and a vital and special part of our identity – understanding more about them helps us all understand who we are now as Queenslanders, as Australians; thank you for advancing this.    

Of course, good outcomes come about when understanding goes ‘both ways’.

I am glad to see this reflected in Hymba Yumba’s vision: ensuring all our children reach their full potential in modern Australia – that is: spiritually, socially, culturally, politically and economically.

Progress – in our ongoing pursuit for true equality of opportunity – is being made.

I was very honoured to be your Governor for example when, just last week, for the first time in the history of the State of Queensland, the Parliament’s formal reply to a Governor’s Opening Speech was presented at Government House by an Aboriginal member, by Minister Enoch.

I thank Hymba Yumba’s staff; administration; the Elders, who I know are a cherished and indispensable part of this community; and importantly, the students and families – what you all bring to this community and to our State is highly valued and respected, and that, I know, is integral to Hymba Yumba’s successes. I know outside support is also vital, and I note those representatives here today.

Thank you all once again. It is my great privilege, as your Governor, with Kaye, to support your beneficial work.

It is also my great pleasure, in the presence of you all, to now officially open the Hymba Yumba Community Hub ‘Embedding Indigenous Knowledge’ Showcase event.