Official visit to Burnett Heads State School

Mayor Dempsey; Principal, Ms Kirsten Clements; Burnett Heads State School students, staff and supporters.

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.

Thank you all most sincerely for the warm welcome you have extended to Kaye and me this morning, and thank you also for the wonderful rendition of our National Anthem, and the Welcome to Country.

I am proud to see the Governor’s Standard flying at your school today, a school which certainly lives up to its motto of ‘Progress through Participation’.

This sense of spirit is demonstrated through your ongoing commitment as one of Queensland’s 276 Reef Guardian schools.

Your school is beautifully situated, where the river meets the sea, and with a famous turtle hatchery on your doorstep!

You understand then, better than many, how very important the health of the Great Barrier Reef is, to not only Queensland, but to the world.

Thank you for the role you are playing in keeping the reef healthy for future generations, and also for the work you have already done in tackling the problem of waste.

I look forward to seeing your Reef Guardian display and learning more about your school initiatives in reducing waste following this morning’s parade.

I am also very much looking forward to watching you perform your traditional Lion and Dragon dance, full of vibrancy and energy, in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Pig.

From the reef at your door to your interests in Chinese culture, you are clearly an outward-looking school community.

I encourage you all to carry that sense of curiosity and purpose with you as you grow older and move through your education, into what I am sure will be a bright future.

Students, please continue to look outwards and upwards.

It will soon be my pleasure to present your Star of the Week awards.

Congratulations to the recipients, and to all who will follow in the weeks to come.

Once again, thank you for your Burnett Heads hospitality.

I wish you the very best for a busy, rewarding and enjoyable 2019.