Napranum Community BBQ

Napranum Aboriginal Shire, Mayor, Councillor Janita Motton; Councillor Kaylene Jawai; Acting CEO, Ms Emma Bradbury; ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we are gathering, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

Thank you all for making my husband, Graeme, and me feel so welcome in your community.

When I became Governor of this State, I pledged to encourage and support all Queenslanders wherever they may live, and to endeavour to visit them, however far from the major cities and towns they may be.

This is a really special visit for both of us, not just because it’s the first time we’ve been to Napranum, but also because this is such a remarkable part of Queensland.

I understand that there are descendants from as many as 40 different groups from around Cape York living here, a point seemingly embodied in the name Napranum, which means “meeting place of the people”.

I know your community members are deeply connected not only to the lands and waterways of this amazing region, but to each other.

Celebrating important events such as NAIDOC Week—which this year honours your wonderful Elders—helps build the pride you have in your community and the rich traditions you are preserving and handing down.

From the Facebook photos, it looks like everyone had fun at the recent Foundation Day on the Foreshore!

I know that the Napranum community has strong military links, with many of you having connections to those who saw active service, and those brave civilians who rescued United States airmen during World War Two.

I’ll have the chance to honour their memory when I visit the War Memorial later today.

Since I arrived this morning, I’ve met with your Mayor and Councillors, and visited the Kluthuthu Christian College, where I read the students a book about Government House called A Place for All Queenslanders.

It’s always so wonderful to see those big smiles on children’s faces, as they learn to read and write — skills that will stay with them and help them navigate their way through life, whether here or beyond the borders of Queensland.

After our BBQ, I’m also looking forward to visiting the staff and patients at your Health Care Centre, and hopefully meeting some more community members while out and about.

Our day here will be busy, but I’m so glad we had this opportunity to meet some of the fantastic people who make this place thrive, and we thank you for your hard work and dedication.