Afternoon Reception for Wesley Medical Research

A speech delivered by the Honourable Chief Justice Catherine Holmes, Acting Governor of Queensland:

Wesley Medical Research Chairman, Mr Peter Allen; CEO, Professor David Paterson; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted as Acting Governor, with the enthusiastic support of my husband Arthur Preston, to welcome representatives of the broad community of Wesley Medical Research to Government House this afternoon.

I use the word “Community” advisedly. 30-second TV news grabs about discoveries in the medical field always seem to feature white coats and the transfer of coloured liquids.  No doubt that sort of publicity is often useful, but it doesn’t acknowledge the substantial network, teamwork and hard work that are needed to make the aims of any research institute a reality. 

The days are gone when one or two researchers working with minimal support could make major advances in medicine.   

Like the famous village needed to raise a child, a substantial collaborative network underpins the operations and achievements of a major institution like Wesley Medical Research.

This network encompasses researchers themselves, support staff both in and out of the laboratory, and a management and administrative structure involving a board, executive and staff.  It includes fund-raisers, donors, sponsors, and other supporters. It takes in connections and alliances with government agencies, hospitals and other research bodies.    

I am sure that all the individuals who support Wesley Medical Research in these myriad ways feel great pride at their connection with the institute and with its mission of improving diagnosis and treatment of serious medical conditions, and enhancing quality of care and quality of life for Queenslanders living with such conditions.

That pride is entirely justified.

There are not many fields in which the generosity of sponsors, donors and volunteers is so clearly linked with achievements that offer hope, relief, and a better quality of life to so many who face a diagnosis of serious illness.   

On my own behalf, on behalf of the people of Queensland, and on behalf of your Chief Patron, who, with Mrs de Jersey, is currently in Europe representing Queensland at World War One commemorations, I thank all those whose dedication and generosity sustains the institute’s work.   Your support is a vital and admirable contribution to the health and well-being of communities in Queensland and further afield, now and in the future.  

Thank you.