Official Visit to Moranbah State School

Madam Mayor; Deputy Mayor; Principal, Mr Edwards. Kaye and I are pleased to be with you at Moranbah State School this afternoon. Thank you all for making us feel so welcome during our visit to the Isaac region.

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

This week, we moved Government House activities from Brisbane to Central Queensland, so we can spend more time in our wonderful regional communities. 

Learning about the people and places that contribute to our State’s fortunes is an important part of being Governor of Queensland – and it is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role.

You may be surprised to hear that, at 49 years old, Moranbah State School is a youngster; compared to many other schools I have visited around the State – some of which are well over one hundred and fifty years old. 

Yet, your school is part of a very special community. Indeed, in a relatively short time in our State’s history, Moranbah has become a place that demonstrates the true meaning of togetherness and how working with a sense of joint purpose brings greater strength. 

When difficult things happen, either across the world, or closer to home, it is these connections that help see us through. In true communities, support does not just come from family and friends, but from others outside our immediate circles.

Your school is one of these support pillars.

It provides many ways of caring for you, while you are learning, and playing, or when you are lucky enough to be going on a Camp, as the Year 5s recently did – which looked like it was tremendous fun, by the way!

Shortly, Kaye will be reading a book to the Preppies and Year 1 students, which features our Vice-Regal Dog, Gavel. Gavel tried doing lots of different things before he found the job that suited him at Government House. Along the way, those who met Gavel offered him encouragement, even when he did not succeed, and that made him feel much more confident.

I encourage you to always look out for others, and in this way, help to keep your community strong.

Kaye and I thank your teachers and staff for all the amazing work they do to provide such a vibrant school environment, and wish you, and your families, safe and happy times ahead.