Afternoon Tea in Support of the Julia Creek Community

Mayor, Cr Curr and fellow Councillors; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys.

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

It is wonderful to be back in Julia Creek – and not simply because it is a wonderful community to visit, but because I last visited in more challenging times, shortly after the 2019 floods.

It is fantastic to see the rejuvenation of the area and the successful recovery of the community, a testament to the character of your town. 

The reason for our visit this time around, is for our Regional Government House initiative.

Each year we “relocate” Government House from Paddington in Brisbane, to one of our uplifting regional centres.

This year, I am based in Charters Towers – while also visiting Julia Creek and Croydon across five days, undertaking more than 33 programme elements.

So far today I have addressed students at Julia Creek State School – and we are honoured to have two students and the School’s business manager here this afternoon – what a credit those students are to this town… I have also enjoyed a working lunch at Corrina’s Café and Bakery, taken a walk down Burke Street to meet business owners, and, most fascinatingly – viewed a Julia Creek Dunnart at the Visitor Centre! What a fantastic creature!

In speaking to local business owners, I was greatly impressed by their strength and fortitude in confronting contemporary challenges, especially those externally imposed like flooding and now, COVID-19.  

But Julia Creek has demonstrated resilience and innovation many time overs before.

This is clear to see in how you have transitioned from your origins in sheep and cattle grazing to becoming a broader destination for sport, culture and relaxation – and, I understand, in accommodating increasing numbers of ‘grey nomads’ – a term, I now realise as my term ends on 1 November, is probably applicable to me!

Shortly, I will present the Mayor and each of you with a copy of the latest Government House book, The Governors of Modern Queensland. 

This is in recognition of the contributions you are making, not only to the continuing vibrancy of Julia Creek, but also to our entire State.

On behalf of Queenslanders, I think you for that. I further look forward to meeting many of you throughout the course of the afternoon.