Great Public Schools' Association of Queensland Centenary Music Showcase

Host of the Centenary Music Showcase and Headmaster of Churchie, Dr Alan Campbell; Chairman of the Great Public Schools’ Association of Queensland, Mr Peter Fullager; Leaders of the GPS Schools; Teachers; Students,

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land upon which we are gathered and expressing my respect for elders, past and present.

Thank you for inviting me to celebrate with you 100 years of the Great Public Schools’ Association of Queensland with this Centenary Music Showcase.

I can think of no better medium than music to celebrate the spirit of fellowship that has animated the GPS for the past century.

The very language of music – the language of rhythm and harmony –– speaks to the great human aspiration of working together for the greater good.

Behind each melody is an artist and an era. The artist and his era may be long gone, but the melody – like Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana - remains relevant and appealing.

So too, while Queensland – and indeed the world – has been transformed since 1918, the lessons of that era are relevant to us today.

In 1918, Australia was at war, and with terribly regularity, families learned of a father, husband, son or brother who was never coming home.

Rockhampton suffered a great flood and a cyclone all but flattened Mackay.

In the face of this uncertainty, rather than retreat, the instinct of the Great Public Schools of Queensland was to come together, so that all students at their schools could enjoy greater opportunities.

It was a fine and noble instinct, and generations of students have benefited as a result.

Today’s event showcases the collegiality and collaboration at the heart of the GPS.

It is testament to the immense talent of the students, lovingly nurtured by their families.

And it is a triumphant demonstration of the power of teaching to transform; to turn the gifts of these talented young individuals into a choir and orchestra whose power is greater than the sum of their parts.

I congratulate the Great Public Schools’ Association of Queensland on reaching this centenary milestone and commend everyone involved in the production of this musical showcase.

I am looking forward to sharing this performance with you.

Thank you.