Government House hosted community afternoon tea in Bundaberg

Representing Mr Stephen Bennett, Member for Burnett, Mrs Fiona Bennett; Mayor Dempsey and councillors; ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, of the Bundaberg community.

I at once acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay respect to their Elders past and present – with encouragement to their young emerging leaders.

Kaye and I are delighted to welcome you to this Government House hosted afternoon tea, part of our first official visit to the Bundaberg Regional Council area since 2016.

We have already enjoyed a busy – and inspirational – time in Bundaberg since arriving this morning, and we are most impressed with the range of activities and opportunities on offer across your community for people of all ages.

We are especially struck by the depth and breadth of regional innovation in Bundaberg.

We had the pleasure of visiting the Bargara Brewing Company this morning to learn more about this family owned and operated Queensland success story.

We also visited The Generator innovation hub, meeting some of the business leaders and creatives from your community.

This evening we move on to Mon Repos, which is justly famous for its research, and tomorrow we visit Burnett Heads State School and Bundaberg State High School.

And so, from the youngest school student to the most experienced entrepreneur, the people of Bundaberg continue to make their mark in our great State.

Indeed, this is tremendously beneficial not just to Bundaberg, but to Queensland as a whole, boosting the economy, engaging communities, and bringing innovation to the forefront.

The past few years here have not been without their challenges. Between fire, floods and cyclones, the region’s resolve – its resilience – has been tested time and time again.

I commend each and every one of you on your sense of spirit, your Queensland pride and passion, your willingness to embrace a challenge and lend a helping hand to those in need.

You are all contributing to a wonderfully vibrant and engaged community, and you can be very proud of that fact.

It is clear that the Bundaberg spirit remains undaunted, and that the town has its sights firmly fixed on the future.

From what we have seen today, the future is very bright.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, Kaye and I thank you most wholeheartedly for the contributions you make to the continued advancement and prosperity of our State.

Thank you.