Official Opening of Redlands College College Heart Building

Thank you, Miss Kinnear, for your very kind introduction. Member for Capalaba, Mr Brown; Member for Oodgeroo, Dr Robinson; Redland City Councillor, Cr Boglary; Principal, Dr Johnson; College Chair, Mr Leijen; distinguished guests; staff, students and members of the Redlands College family. 

Thank you for welcoming me so warmly on this important day in the 33-year history of Redlands College.

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

This is my first visit to the College, and I am delighted that I can be part of such a special occasion.

In almost seven years as your Governor, I have travelled throughout the State, meeting and listening to Queenslanders.

Whether they are living in a small, remote settlement in the Gulf Country or here in the busy south-east, they are united by great pride in the achievements of their community.

That pride is often expressed most strongly by the students, teachers and parents I meet at the schools I visit; today is no exception.   

Redlands College is an excellent example of what can happen when a community is dedicated to creating the best possible facility for its rising generation, underpinned by strong Christian beliefs and a philosophy that supports and encourages students to realise their full potential.

And Redlands College is very much a part of this wonderful Redlands Coast community. As if to prove the point, just this week your Director of Learning for years six to nine, Miss Collier, was announced as the Redlands Coast Young Citizen of the Year! Congratulations, Miss Collier! How lucky the students are to have such dedicated staff, under the inspirational leadership of Dr Johnson.

Building a facility such as the College Heart takes more than dedication; it takes a significant financial investment, as well as a great deal of time, effort, and care.

It is clear to me, even in a brief official visit such as this, that care is central to this College, and that the community has been prepared, wholeheartedly, to invest everything required to make this project a success.

Anyone doubting the centrality of care, need only consider the name chosen for the new building: the College Heart.

It is indeed the heart of this community with teaching, learning and support services all under the one roof. It is self-evidently a magnificent facility which will also enhance hospitality training and engagement with the broader community.

I acknowledge the significant financial contribution of the Queensland Government and the many generous donors, and recognise the fine work of Wilson Architects in imagining and overseeing the creation of this new heart for the school.

I congratulate all concerned on the successful completion of this important project and look forward to touring the facility.

It is now my great honour to declare officially open the College Heart, and to shortly join Dr Johnson in unveiling a commemorative plaque which will be an enduring reminder of the significance of this event in the life of the College and the Redlands Coast community.

Thank you.