Goondiwindi Community Morning Tea

Mayor, ladies and gentlemen, student leaders, it is a great honour to join you today.

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

One of my central duties as Governor is to visit and support regional communities which define and strengthen our State spirit. 

I am truly delighted to be back in ‘Gundy’, on what is my first regional visit since COVID travel restrictions eased. 

This morning I addressed a business and industry breakfast and visited the inspiring Goondiwindi State School. Last night I received a briefing from the Mayor and Councillors. 

I know the lingering drought and COVID-19 have disrupted many aspects of community life – this morning tea included, restricted to 20!  

I was particularly saddened to learn, like in so many regions, positive community events like the Goondiwindi Show had necessarily been postponed.

But despite the strictures of the time, it is abundantly clear to me, there is deep well of community pride and spirit here in Goondiwindi, exemplified by all in this room this morning. I have been greatly impressed so far to learn of the lateral thinking being deployed to address complex community issues. 

I look forward to talking to you all throughout the morning tea. Thank you, on behalf of the Queensland people, for your contributions to the wellbeing of this most special town and region.