Official launch of Sunshine Coast Open House

Thank you, Mr Just, for your warm welcome to the beautiful Sunshine Coast this morning.

May I acknowledge Vice-Chancellor Hill and Mayor Jamieson, and say how wonderful it is for me to be at the Sunshine Coast, especially with it being rain-drenched – at least for the moment – may that endure.

On Saturday I was in Roma, Sunday was Beenleigh, yesterday Toowoomba, and today the glorious Sunshine Coast.

I now acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

I am delighted to join you to celebrate the official launch of this year’s Sunshine Coast Open House program.

Community events like Open House offer Queenslanders a number of important opportunities.

The first of these is obvious – who doesn’t love to satiate their curiosity to explore the hidden worlds of their fellow citizens!

I think we are, quite naturally, drawn to buildings that hint at something extraordinary behind a closed door.

But Open House is much more than that.

These are warm, friendly, community-focused events – free to everyone – offering a chance for us to learn about the many ways our country’s most talented architects and designers are developing vital interconnections between natural and built environments.

Open House is a wonderful opportunity to see why the Sunshine Coast is fast becoming renowned for more than just its natural beauty. 

From dune-hugging beach shacks to sprawling hinterland verandahs, this unique place now has a growing international reputation for sustainable design and architecture, thanks to the efforts of Australia’s best and brightest, many of whom live locally or have some connection to the area.

I always look forward to exploring the historic buildings as much as the contemporary.

I encourage you all to do the same, as I see there are many older buildings open this year.

It really will offer a broad perspective of the architectural evolution of the Sunshine Coast – such an iconic part of the Australian coastline.

Thank you to everyone who has helped return Open House to the coast in 2018.

I am sure both the local community and beyond will find inspiration in the innovative ways their fellow Queenslanders have created unforgettable spaces in which to live, work and play.

Sunshine Coast Open House is part of the Open House Worldwide Network, and I acknowledge the Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Shire Council and Australian Institute of Architects Sunshine Coast Committee for their initiative in getting involved.

I also thank the volunteers offering their time over the course of the event, as well as the owners and managers of buildings who will bravely open their doors to many hundreds of curious strangers.

On behalf of the people of Queensland, I am delighted to declare the 2018 Sunshine Coast Open House officially launched.

Thank you.