Challenge DV Reception 2024

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, the Honourable Yvette D’Ath MP; Director-General of Department of Transport and Main Roads, Ms Sally Stannard; Challenge DV Chair, Ms Jane Hedger and CEO, Mr Keith Tracey-Patte; corporate partners and 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 to all First Nations people here today.

As Joint Patrons of Challenge DV, Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House, in support of an organisation that does so much to help vulnerable people in our communities.

You are here because you share a united drive to see an end to domestic and family violence in households across our state and country, and the contributions you have each made to this mission are commendable, and immensely valuable.

Your varying backgrounds demonstrate how it takes the effort, and perspectives of many to forge lasting social change, because as you are well aware, this insidious type of abuse does not discriminate.

And this is also the very reason why Challenge DV is making such a positive impact—as it reaches so effectively into our workplaces, which provide an important opportunity for more people to be educated, informed, and empowered with the confidence to support colleagues who might otherwise keep their personal struggles hidden.

Through its various in-person and online workplace training programs, Challenge DV is building a network of understanding and action.

By forming strong, lasting strategic partnerships, it is harnessing the power that comes from within government, businesses, charities, frontline services and the community itself—who are also committed to generating change.

And by tapping into the potential of these connections, Challenge DV is ensuring that this issue remains highly visible, and gathers ever-growing support.  

Just last month, 2,700 people came together at Parliament House for the 11^th annual Darkness to Daylight event—each individual linked by a common purpose—and at the same time raising vital funds.

The success of this year’s event demonstrates how by standing together committed to this cause, we can step from the darkness to the light, and into a society where every person has the chance to live with freedom and dignity.

Of course, financial support is critical to ensuring that Challenge DV can continue its life-saving work. For this, Graeme and I thank all of the incredible partners, sponsors and donors, whose generosity enables training programs and prevention initiatives to be developed, and events such as Darkness to Daylight to take place.

We also acknowledge, with our deepest gratitude, all of those here today who represent the frontline organisations who provide compassion and care when it is most needed.

And, on behalf of the people of Queensland, Graeme and I commend Challenge DV—its Board, Executive, staff, volunteers and members, for all you are doing to make our homes free from violence, abuse and intimidation.

Thank you all for sharing this responsibility.