Annual Bravehearts Ball 2024

Representing the Premier, Minister for Child Safety, Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Charis Mullen MP; representing the Leader of the Opposition, Member for Whitsunday, Ms Amanda Camm MP; representing the Queensland Police Commissioner, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Mr Denzil Clark APM; Bravehearts CEO, Ms Alison Geale, Members of the Board and Ambassador in Chief, Mr Bob Atkinson AO APM; Daniel Morcombe Foundation Founders Bruce Morcombe OAM and Denise Morcombe OAM; dedicated supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and any First Nations people with us today.

As Patron in Chief, I am delighted that Graeme and I can join you tonight for this annual celebration.

It was in 1995, thanks to Mel Gibson, that the world at large became aware that there had once been a Scots hero known as Braveheart.

As a movie, ‘Braveheart’ had more than a few historical inaccuracies, but there was something about it that resonated with us all.

Here was a passionate, inspiring hero prepared to fight for his rights and ideals against all odds, whatever the cost and however long it took.

Within a year of the movie’s release, Queensland saw the creation of an organisation fired by that same passion to right historic wrongs and achieve positive and lasting change – our very own Bravehearts.

Today, more than 700 years after William Wallace’s rag-tag band of Scots defeated the English at Stirling Bridge, and 27 years after the first White Balloon floated aloft here in Queensland, we have our own army of heroes.

They are the dedicated, compassionate and generous staff, volunteers, ambassadors, sponsors and government partners of Bravehearts, all of whom have committed to the vision of a world where people work together to protect children from sexual abuse.

This event allows us to articulate and reaffirm our support for Bravehearts and its national campaign to raise awareness and funds to prevent child sexual abuse.

The organisation’s efforts do not stop there, with Bravehearts extending its remit to the care of — and advocacy for — those suffering the lasting impacts of abuse, as well as empowering and protecting children through its educational and advocacy services.

This organisation and everyone associated with it is acutely aware of the 409 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

They are also aware that, 12 years after then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the Royal Commission and almost seven years after the Commission presented its 17-volume final report, much remains to be done.

But I know you all share Hetty Johnston’s determination as Founder to make Australia the safest place in the world for children.

I congratulate Bravehearts on its achievements to date and on its innovative programs and fundraising solutions.

From your research, training and counselling programs to the annual Marathon, Bravehearts Day, and Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Program, every one of these activities makes a vital difference.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank the organisation and everyone associated with it.

Together, you give us all hope that change is possible, and you remind us that protecting children is everybody’s business.