Morning tea for the Autism Queensland Creative Futures Recognition Awards presentation

Member for Stretton, Mr Duncan Pegg MP; representatives from Autism Queensland; ladies and gentlemen.

Kaye and I are delighted to host you all for morning tea today, in celebration of the success of those recognised this year in the Creative Futures Recognition Awards.

As a proud Patron of Autism Queensland, it is my privilege to welcome you all to Government House.

I congratulate each of you for the contribution you have made to Autism Queensland’s vision to achieve a life of participation, opportunity and choice for people living with ASD.

It is said that those with ASD find it difficult to ‘make sense’ of the world around them.

Those of us without ASD might sometimes find that a hard concept to grasp.

But one of the many great things about Autism Queensland is that, through its advocacy, our community gets ever closer to better understanding and ‘making sense’ of ASD.

This education and awareness will benefit many future generations of Australians.

Today’s awardees have all demonstrated commitment to realising empowerment, inclusiveness and equality, whether through their personal achievements or through the support and encouragement of others in their care.

Each and every one of us should have the chance to fulfil our innate potential.

There are many in our community who, for different reasons, find this fulfilment elusive or hard to navigate a path towards.

That is why the work of organisations like Autism Queensland is so vital.

Offering those diagnosed with ASD a chance to connect, communicate and be supported is a fantastic foundation from which to open doors and explore what opportunities the world might offer.

I acknowledge the dedication of Autism Queensland’s staff, as well as the wider community of families, friends and carers who give so generously of their time and love to support those living with ASD.

As Governor it is my honour to represent the people of this wonderful State.

I am certain I speak for all Queenslanders when I offer our congratulations for the successes we celebrate here today, and I look forward to officially acknowledging our award recipients.

Thank you.