Childhood Cancer Support Hearts of Gold Gala

Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Families and Seniors and Central Queensland, Member for Rockhampton, Mrs Donna Kirkland MP; Childhood Cancer Support General Manager, Ms Helen Crew  and the management committee; Ambassadors; staff; volunteers; supporters and corporate partners; 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 this evening.

Graeme and I are delighted to be joining you for the first time at the Hearts of Gold Gala, hosted by Childhood Cancer Support – of which I am proud Patron.  

It is in these beautiful surroundings that we will honour and celebrate those who work so very hard, and those who give so very generously to help families whose lives have been devastated by a childhood cancer diagnosis.

It’s hard to fathom the heartache a family faces with such a diagnosis, and for those in regional areas, the challenges of travel, accommodation, and support services can make it even harder to bear.

While nothing can alleviate the worry and uncertainty of a child's cancer diagnosis, practical steps can be taken to ease the burden.

Founded by families advocating for equal care in regional communities, Childhood Cancer Support has driven improvements in treatment, care facilities, and accommodation for those in need.

To those in the room tonight, I hope you know that you make a huge difference, lessening the immense burden on families at such a time by providing a home away from home – a sanctuary for family members and friends undertaking this emotional journey with a child diagnosed with cancer.

The values of togetherness, compassion, and support underpinning the work of Childhood Cancer Support enable it to offer both comfort and courage to families, helping them to be present in their child’s life at such a worrisome time.

Tonight’s Gala exemplifies the power of one community helping another... It’s what Queenslanders do best.

Tonight, we gather not only to acknowledge a great need but to take action, with many 'hearts of gold' here determined to ease the journey for families facing this challenging road.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, thank you for your time, your commitment and your generosity.