Official visit to Kirwan State High School

Deputy Mayor Walker; Major General Smith; Executive Principal, Ms Wenta; Kirwan State High School students, staff and supporters.

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

Students, thank you for welcoming me so warmly to your school, particularly at this difficult time, and thank you for today’s rendition of the National Anthem, and for acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of these lands.

Your community spirit has certainly been tested in recent weeks, and I commend you, as Governor of Queensland and on behalf of all Queenslanders, for the way in which you continue to support each other.

Across the State, eyes have been turned northwards and hearts have been overflowing with sympathy and support for the people of Townsville and surrounds.

In times of crisis, we find out what really matters.

Buildings, laboratories, classrooms – these are all very important, but in the end what really matters are the people – your friends, your families, your community.

You will always remember this time, and when you look back later in life at the events of 2019, I hope you will be filled with feelings of pride and optimism.

Pride, for the positive way in which you responded.

Optimism, because it has been demonstrated incontrovertibly that each of you has what it takes to cope in a time of emergency.

Regional Queensland has a reputation for resilience and strength in the face of adversity, and you are fine successors to this legacy.

You have lived up to the high expectations of your school – indeed, you have gone above and beyond.

It is encouraging to know that the future of our State is in the hands of young people like yourselves, who have stepped up to embrace leadership roles in your individual ways in your community.

I thank you for the hands of support and assistance you have extended to the people around you, and I thank you also for the efforts you will bring to bear in the coming weeks and months, because I know there is still some way to go.

I wish you all the very best in those endeavours, and for the rest of the school year.

Thank you.