Miles State High School Assembly

Western Downs Regional Council, Mayor Councillor Paul McVeigh and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Jodie Taylor; Miles State High School, Principal, Mrs Josette Moffatt; teachers, staff and students. Thank you welcoming me so warmly this morning.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands on which we gather, the Barunggam people and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

Today is the first time I have visited the town of Miles since being sworn in as Governor in November last year, and what a beautifully authentic and historic town it is!

As Governor and the representative of His Majesty King Charles the Third in this State, one of my most important jobs is to visit the people and places that contribute to making Queensland so diverse and interesting.

I particularly enjoy meeting the young people in our communities, who demonstrate so much enthusiasm and energy.

Over the past 43 years, Miles State High School has built a wonderful reputation as not only a place of learning, but also a strong reputation for sporting excellence.  But more than that, it has built a community, and it is through community that we are best able to achieve.

From your teachers and support staff to your parents and carers who work with them in partnership, to the wider community of Miles and surrounds, and the friends sitting beside you, your school community are your biggest supporters.

So, be connected, be involved, and give back; because the more you put in, the more you get out, and together, your community becomes stronger.

 This “togetherness” is really what defines the power of community — asking for help when you need it, being ready to lend a hand to others, joining in and sharing. 

What you do in the future depends on what you do now, and upon the choices you make here at school.

I encourage you all to keep your minds open, take advantage of every opportunity you are offered, and as your school motto says, to always “Strive to Achieve”.

Thank you for inviting me to your school today, and I look forward to getting to know you all a little better at our Q&A Session after this assembly.

Thank you.