Council Hosted Texas Community Afternoon Tea

Mayor of Goondiwindi Regional Council, The Honourable Lawrence Springborg AM; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.

Thank you, Mayor Springborg, and council for hosting this afternoon tea.

When I was sworn in as Governor, I made a pledge to travel widely throughout the State and meet people in their communities, so I am pleased this trip to the Southern Downs and Goondiwindi regions has enabled me to visit Texas and learn more about your region.

These recent eventful months have reinforced my awareness that Queenslanders—particularly those living in regional areas, are marked by their determination—especially when they come up against adversity.

Texas has demonstrated such determination time and time again, as throughout your history you have faced a massive rabbit plague, numerous droughts and floods.

Repeatedly, this community has turned disadvantage to opportunity—reinventing and innovating with a ready willingness to be malleable and to always look forward.

This sense of tenacity is represented in your striking “Spirit of Texas” sculpture, commissioned after the devastating 2011 floods—which represents the remarkable water birds of your region, and also the symbolic power of the phoenix—rising once again, stronger than ever.

What underpins all of this is an admirable local community togetherness, which is demonstrated most vividly during difficulties, but is always there, proudly serving all those who call Texas home. 

I am pleased too, that earlier today, I was able to tour the Texas Multipurpose Health Service, because it is my goal to visit every public hospital in the State during my term. Our incredible healthcare workers deserve our endless support and gratitude, and this is especially so when it comes to smaller, diverse services, like yours.

This morning, Graeme and I were also delighted to meet children and teachers from the Texas State School and enjoyed sharing a storybook about Government House called “A Place for All Queenslanders”.

I once again thank Mayor Springborg and the Goondiwindi Regional Councillors for sharing their knowledge of the region, for hosting this morning’s event, and for making Graeme and me feel so welcome.

While our time here is short—and we are sadly not able to fit in a dip in “The Governor’s Bogey Hole”, a favourite swimming spot of one of my early predecessors—we have thoroughly enjoyed our brief tour and commend your community for its compassion and fortitude.