Dinner in support of the 2024 Brisbane Festival

Good evening, all.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Graeme and I welcome you to Government House this evening, as we celebrate another incredible Brisbane Festival, and thank you all for your contributions to making it such a success.

At the table tonight are people from different professional backgrounds, who each bring diverse expertise and unique perspectives. Yet whether you are directly involved in the creative process itself, or passionate believers in the transformative power of the arts, you are here because you are making our State a much more inclusive and vibrant place—and one that is shining on the global stage.

September’s Brisbane Festival delights and entertains; challenges and questions; dazzles and amazes. With more than 1,000 performances and experiences from Queensland and around the world, there truly is something for everyone.

Graeme and I were delighted to attend this year’s Opening and Closing Nights, Straight from the Strait, Jean Paul Gaultier, Riverfire, and Trent Dalton’s Love Stories—but the sheer scope and variety of free and paid entertainment on offer this year, was just astounding.

The Brisbane Festival celebrates what makes our city so special—its people and its places—and significantly, it beneficially supports the arts community in our State, encouraging our creators to reach for the stars, knowing that there is a platform available that will see their ideas come to life.

I extend my sincerest congratulations and gratitude to Artistic Director, Ms Louise Bezzina, for curating another exceptional Brisbane Festival—and of course, I thank each and every person here tonight who has been directly involved in bringing the Festival to us—under the wisdom and commitment of CEO, Mr Charlie Cush and the dedicated Board led Ms Anna Reynolds, the Giving Committee chaired by Justice Bradley and of course all of the executive team, staff and volunteers who make it run so smoothly.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge, and commend, the tangible contribution and advocacy given by the arts lovers here this evening—the remarkably generous individuals who through their philanthropy, are determined to see creative expression flourish in this state. Your insight and vision are ensuring that the beneficial impact of the arts will continue to both include and reach even more people.

As Patron, and an arts afficionado, I am so proud to be part of the Brisbane Festival, and know, that with the guidance and influence of each of you, our state’s creative effort will become ever-stronger.

Please enjoy this chance to celebrate.