Douglas Shire Community Morning Tea

Douglas Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Lisa Scomazzon, CEO, Ms Rachel Brophy and Councillors; community leaders and first responders; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Graeme and I are so pleased to be in Mossman, as part of our visit to the Douglas Shire, and to the wider Tropical Far North region, and we deeply appreciate the kindness you have shown us.

I begin this morning by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today. I thank Mr Santos Diamond and Senior Guide, Mr Robert Lafragua for the Smoking Ceremony—one of the many ancient cultural traditions that continue to enrich our contemporary lives.

In fact, the magnificent facility in which we meet this morning, is a testament to the passion of the Kuku Yalanji people of this region, who share their unique wisdom, culture and country with the many thousands of visitors this beautiful place attracts.

The Douglas Shire is as diverse as it is stunning. The majesty of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, the many kilometres of pristine coastline and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, are unique and precious drawcards.

And of course, your long history in sugar cane farming and processing, has contributed significantly to our state’s global reputation as a major exporter.

Yet, I am aware that the Mossman community is currently facing uncertainty around the Central Mill’s future, and this—on top of the destructive flooding brought by Cyclone Jasper—has caused stress and instability for many.

These setbacks are incredibly difficult, and as Governor of this state, it is an essential part of my role to visit and hear first-hand from you about the problems you face, along with the successes you celebrate.

But I also know you are a proud and connected community, welcoming of diversity through the influence and input of different cultural groups, who have contributed greatly to your development and success over the years.

Amongst us today, are some of the very deserving 2024 Australia Day Awards recipients, who have been acknowledged by the Douglas Shire Council for going above and beyond for their community.

And all of you in this room represent the stoicism, resilience and ingenuity that make regional Queensland so special—I know you stand shoulder to shoulder, as you have always done, to support each other.

Graeme and I have already had the pleasure of visiting the Mossman State School, and are looking forward to touring the Mossman Multi-Purpose Health Centre and the Red Cross, before heading on to Port Douglas for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Under the Stars.

What we enjoy the most about these trips, is having the opportunity to chat to people, to gain a better understanding of the places where you live and work.

Each of you here this morning has a crucial role to play in maintaining the vibrancy and growth of the region, and so I thank you, with immense gratitude, for your contribution to Mossman, the Douglas Shire, and to Queensland.

Thank you for welcoming us so warmly.