Official Visit to Julia Creek State School

Mayor, Cr Curr; Principal, Ms Ballantyne; School Captains; staff, students and supporters of Julia Creek State School.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders. I further thank Miss Pattinson for the Acknowledgement of Country, and all students for that wonderful rendition of the National Anthem.

It is my great pleasure to be at Julia Creek State School this morning. 

I am not the first Queensland Governor to visit your school, although I am sadly not able to offer you all a special holiday, as my predecessor Sir John Lavarack did back in 1950!

I last visited your School in February 2019—just after the devastating floods—but my stay here then was brief and the circumstances were challenging. 

I am pleased that this time I will be spending the whole day in your community, so I can learn more about what makes Julia Creek so unique.

For the next few days we are basing Government House in Charters Towers—which, although still over 500km from you—is a lot closer than our usual home and workplace in Brisbane!

Finding out about people and places is not only an important part of being Governor of this State, but it is also one of the aspects I enjoy the most.

I believe everyone should keep being inquisitive, because as you learn more about yourself, you become more understanding about others.

Your school motto “Seek Better Things” encourages you to keep asking questions.

It is a motto that particularly resonates, because soon I will be reading a special book to the younger students about Queensland’s official Vice-Regal Dog, Gavel, who lives with me at Government House.

Gavel’s story is relevant to everyone, because it demonstrates the power of never giving up. In seeking something better in his life, Gavel finally finds his dream job at Government House, and now brings joy to everyone he meets.

I am very excited that every student at Julia Creek State School will leave with a copy of the book today – a special gift from me to you all! I may even be able to spare a copy for your library, too! 

I know you are proud to call Julia Creek home, and you are also proud of the important place of your School in this community.

Since 1911, when those first nine students entered their new classroom, the principals and teachers of Julia Creek State School have recognised that success comes from the contributions of many.

What this school lacks in numbers, it makes up for in determination—a quality that I believe suitably describes your town, and indeed, the whole of north-west Outback Queensland!  

Today, we need to thank your Principal, Ms Ballantyne, your incredible teachers, staff and parents, for always helping you be your best.

I speak for all Queenslanders, when I say that you live in a very special part of our state, treasured by all.