Reception for the Suited to Success 10th anniversary

Elected representatives; members and supporters of Suited to Success; ladies and gentlemen.

It is wonderful to join you today, on behalf of the people of Queensland, to pay tribute to the outstanding contribution made by Suited to Success over the past 10 years.

I am a very proud Patron of this organisation, and I believe it improves the social fabric of our community in many ways.

For it is not just the men and women directly assisted by Suited to Success who benefit from its service.

Their friends, family, and ultimately our wider community also reap the rewards of its important work.

Empower one, and you empower all.  Help an individual to rise and you lift the whole of society.

That is the kind of Queensland we want – and indeed have – a place where a helping hand is freely offered to one another without judgment or criticism.

Many Queenslanders will, for different reasons, find themselves down on their luck at some point in life.

When such things happen our self-esteem can take a mighty blow.

Engaging in meaningful work offers a road out of dark times, but it is not always easy to find it on the map.

That is why the programs administered by Suited to Success are so vital, as they ensure our fellow Queenslanders, particularly the disadvantaged, are empowered to fulfil and deliver on their innate potential.

It is said the right clothes won’t change the world, but the person who wears them just might. 

And that is why Suited to Success does more than help people merely ‘dress to impress’.

Since 2008 its range of programs has helped Queenslanders put their ‘best self’ forward in order to reclaim control of their future.

I acknowledge the contribution of the board, as well as the tremendous work of staff and volunteers who really are in the business of changing lives for the better.

As a State our greatest strength lies in our shared sense of care and compassion, and Suited to Success is an organisation which continues to represent these values.

It is why we celebrate you all today!

Thank you.