Launch of the Creative Brisbane Collab.

Committee for Brisbane, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Barton Green GAICD and members of the Management Committee; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I would also like to 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.

May I also acknowledge the wonderful work of the Australasian Dance Collective and Kiosk Films in providing today’s truly mesmerising feature performance.

It is wonderful to join you today to celebrate the launch of the Creative Brisbane Collab, which in itself, is an expression of creativity – by its very definition, the use of an original idea to bring something new into existence – in this case, a powerful, mutually beneficial partnership between our City’s creative and corporate industries.

Creativity is part of the very fabric of Brisbane. From our growing reputation as a global Arts powerhouse, to our distinctive cultural heritage, we are a city that celebrates diversity and nurtures creative enterprise.

Having now well and truly emerged from a pandemic-induced hibernation, Brisbane has never felt more alive, and the opportunities to engage in cultural and creative activities are plentiful – from theatre, ballet and opera, to live music, art exhibitions and festivals.

The importance of these activities, and the value they add to our communities, cannot be understated. They enrich our lives, strengthen our identity and inspire new perspectives, building more inclusive, diverse and healthy communities.

Harnessed correctly, they also provide extraordinary economic potential, enticing local, national and global audiences, drawing a skilled and talented workforce to live and work in Brisbane, driving entrepreneurial spirit, and attracting investment.

Having celebrated Commonwealth Day on Monday, I am reminded of His Majesty’s The King’s Message, in which he spoke of the extraordinary potential of the Commonwealth that is drawn from the ingenuity and imagination of the people within it.

He expressed the unparalleled strength and problem-solving capability that is achieved when diversity of thought, culture, tradition and experience is united in pursuit of a common good.

Granted, while on a much smaller scale, I do see some parallels with the Creative Brisbane Collab. initiative and the way it seeks to bring together our corporate and creative sectors as a single voice with the shared purpose to see Brisbane recognised as a global city of creativity.

Like the Commonwealth, the strength of this collaboration is in the diversity of the voices, perspectives, talents, lifestyles and experiences of those within it – a diversity that is well represented here today.

I commend all involved in today’s launch and look forward to following your successes as we prepare to celebrate our State’s creative endeavours on the world stage in 2032.