Official Visit to Camooweal State School

Good afternoon and thank you for such a warm welcome.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands around Camooweal, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

This is my first visit to Camooweal, which although is the gateway to the Northern Territory, it is proudly in Queensland.

Where better place to begin my visit than at your impressive school!

This part of Australia is a very special one, with its proud and rich Indigenous heritage, ancient landscapes and warmly uplifting people. I have also been told that the Barkly Highway between here and Mount Isa is considered the longest main street in the world!

I am so fortunate that my role as Governor allows me to travel throughout Queensland and meet students with so many different stories to tell.

I am sure your stories of growing up in Camooweal are fascinating, full of sights and sounds that city-slickers will find spellbinding.   

Speaking of stories, I am thrilled to be visiting you during this year’s Book Week celebrations.

This year’s theme is ‘Reading is My Secret Power.’ What a great idea!

While we may not be able to fly or scale tall buildings, reading is a secret strength that each of us can possess.

Reading is a chance for everyone, no matter where they are or who they are, to travel to different worlds, planets, even to different times in history.

Learning to be a reader gives a child a terrific advantage. Reading not only a way of discovering other lives, it also helps you learn and understand your own.

So, I encourage all of you to read, to learn and to have fun on your journey here at school, as you give meaning to your motto: ‘Strive to succeed’.  

Once again, thank you for welcoming me to Camooweal, and I look forward to meeting many of you and your families, including hopefully at the Drovers Camp Festival site later today. Thank you.