Mossman State School Visit

Douglas Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Lisa Scomazzon; Principal, Mr Randal Smith; staff, parents, carers and students.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, the Kuku Yalanji people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

My husband, Graeme, and I are really thrilled to be visiting your beautiful school nestled here at the foothills of Mossman Gorge.

We are slowly — but excitedly — making our way around this very big state of ours, visiting as many schools like yours as possible, to see what life is like for you and what you are learning about the world around.

Now you may already know that Queensland is the second biggest State in Australia.

That means sometimes people in the big cities cannot quite imagine what life is like here in Far North Queensland. 

It is also why it is so important for me, as Governor for the whole state, to visit schools like yours.

By meeting you, I learn more about Queensland and its people, its history — and in a way its future! By that I mean you.

Schools like yours are shaping the future for all of us, ensuring we have the skills and empathy and diversity we need to remain one of the best places in the world to live.

Of course, Mossman State School is special — and not only because you have compassionate and amazing teachers who work hard to give you the best education possible. 

You also have a multi-award-winning program to teach you the local Indigenous language and culture, and that is incredible!

Today, Graeme and I will be reading you a book all about Government House, which is where we live and work.

We think of it as a place for all Queenslanders, and this book will tell you why.

We’ll even leave a few copies in your library so you can remember our visit and how much we are all connected, no matter where we live in this wonderful state.

Thank you for such a warm welcome, Mossman State School. We are so happy to be here.