Opening of St John Ambulance Queensland Facility

The Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner; Councillor for Northgate Ward, Councillor Adam Allan; Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St John, Major General Professor John Pearn AO RFD; Chancellor of the Australian Priory of The Order of St John, Mr Cameron Oxley; St John Ambulance Queensland Board Chair, Ms Judy Morgan, Director and today’s MC, Reverend Dr Peter Devenish-Meares and fellow Directors of the Board; Members of the Order of St John; Postulants; Distinguished guests; Ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you, Songwoman Maroochy, for welcoming us to Country this morning. I, too, wish to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land upon which we gather, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

I am delighted that one of my first official engagements for the year brings us together here in a facility that will serve as the new St John Ambulance headquarters in Queensland.

And as Governor of Queensland, and Deputy Prior and Dame of Grace of the Order of St John, I look forward to many more opportunities in 2024 to show my appreciation, and that of all Queenslanders, for your continued dedication to supporting the wellbeing of our community.

St John Ambulance has already made such a large contribution to Queensland, everything from your provision of healthcare services at public events, to first aid training and the promotion of community health resilience, specialised transport services and mobile ophthalmic care in the regions, and various other humanitarian endeavours throughout the State.

The logistics of running such a large, multifaceted organisation must be immense.

It's a credit to you all that St John Ambulance has managed to do so while having different aspects of the operation located in different parts of this big, busy and fast-growing city.

Being able to again centre your operations under the one roof must come as no small relief, and I feel excited and relieved for you knowing that it will help you do what you do best — and that is helping Queenslanders.

Of course, few organisations deserve a place to hang their hats more than St John, with its long history of supporting the people of this State — and an even longer legacy of humanitarian care throughout the world.

The unveiling of this new headquarters represents more than just the completion of a fit-for-purpose building and the end of a time-consuming relocation.

It speaks to your dedication to building capacity, resilience, and wellbeing in our community.

It represents the tireless efforts of individuals who believe that by centralising your operations you will strengthen your ability to create positive change.

It symbolises progress and the promise of an even brighter future. And may it also rejuvenate the spirit of collective purpose that St John exudes, evident in all that it says and does.

My deepest thanks to the dedicated volunteers, the committed staff, and the generous supporters who combined forces to lead us here, the starting point of a new chapter in the story of St John Ambulance Queensland.

It now gives me great pleasure to declare St John House officially open and unveil a plaque commemorating this special day.