Maryborough Community Afternoon Tea

Senator Roberts; Mr Mayor; Deputy Mayor; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys.

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

Kaye and I are very pleased you can join us today. Coming to Maryborough is in a sense like coming home. I spent a memorable part of my childhood growing up here.

I am therefore well acquainted with this beautiful city, but each time I visit I am filled with a curiosity to see what has changed.

Indeed, we have spent the most wonderful day amongst your community.

This morning we met the delightful students at St Helens State School.

Good schools are key to providing our young people with a solid education – but it is also communities that teach them to become honourable citizens.

Strong role models help shape the future generation. I often think about people who influenced the choices I made as a young man. Today – as we passed along the Walk of the Achievers – I once again reflected on the enormous contribution those mentors made to my own life.

The breadth of expertise and talent this place has nurtured since its very beginning is impressive. Their achievements demonstrate that a childhood spent in Maryborough provides many opportunities for a fulfilling life.

No town reflects the history of this State more precisely than Maryborough.

The buildings and the creativity of the exhibitions, memorials and real-life experiences are outstanding. They cement the memories of Queensland’s past into the minds of visitors today.

This morning we travelled back to Maryborough’s timber hauling days on the road to prosperity, as we chugged along on the Mary Ann Steam Train. 

In Queen’s Park we walked in the steps of Duncan Chapman around The Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial – a penetrating reminder of the futility and pain of war. 

At the Story Bank we relived moments of our childhood through the world of Mary Poppins – a place for all generations to enjoy.

By keeping history alive, we can help avoid previous mistakes and draw strength from stories of resilience.

COVID19 has forced us to adapt our lives like never before. Change can be challenging. My sincere thoughts go out to all those impacted by the pandemic.

Our visit today has been both engaging and memorable. I have added new details of Queensland’s past to my experience. Without hesitation, I will encourage others to visit Maryborough – as I know others will who visit this majestic place.

For a city so in touch with its past and so ready with creative ideas, I am confident Maryborough and its people are well prepared for a bright future. Thank you.