2023 Queensland Sport Awards and Hall of Fame Induction

Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement, the Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP; Deputy Mayor Brisbane City Council, Councillor Krista Adams; QSport Deputy Chair, Ms Alison Lyons and CEO, Mr Tim Klar; partners and sponsors; award recipients and Hall of Fame inductees; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here this evening.

I am delighted to be with you this evening for the presentation of the 2023 Queensland Sport Awards.

Tonight, we honour and celebrate the very special people who contribute so significantly to the vibrancy and success of organised sport in our State.

This year’s list of contenders is truly impressive, and I heartily congratulate each of you for excelling at such a high level.

I know that to achieve as you have done takes incredible commitment and passion, and whether you are an athlete, coach, official, team-member, or volunteer, or have led the way in sports innovation, events or administration, you are each integral to making Queensland’s sports-scene thrive.

You not only highlight the depth of talent we have in this State, but also represent the extraordinary range and reach of organised sport across Queensland—which is enormously beneficial to the holistic wellbeing of people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

When I was sworn in as Governor, I pledged to do all I could to encourage a healthy and active Queensland. You are making my job so much easier, because I know that right across our state—from the large towns to the smallest communities—clubs, teams and dedicated individuals are out there, on land and water, encouraging people to be up, and moving.

It is well researched that exercise is crucial to preventing and treating chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer, reducing risk factors such as hypertension and obesity, and helping to build strength.

But, of course, we are also continuing to discover how much physical activity promotes better mental and emotional health.

Sport builds a sense of belonging, and the chance to form lasting friendships. It enables us to learn new skills—generating greater confidence off the field.

And, perhaps most significantly, organised sport forges connections that reach deeply into the heart of communities everywhere—uniting us and invigorating the places we call home…undeniably it is also a lot of fun!

Quite simply, sport is an essential part of our way of life, and I know that Queensland’s outstanding credentials in sport participation and organisation, and the immense positive effect it has on our economic fortunes, will serve us well as our State looks towards hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.

I commend QSport’s CEO, Mr Tim Klar, the Board, staff, Members, generous sponsors, and partners for all you do to promote sporting excellence in this State.

And finally, I again congratulate contenders, winners and those wonderful individuals being inducted tonight into the Hall of Fame or becoming a Legend. Your contributions to your fields and to the broader community are absolutely remarkable!