Patrons' Dinner in Support of a Healthy Queensland

Representing Minister for Health, Assistant Minister to the Premier on Matters of State and New Citizens, Leader of the House, Dr Christian Rowan MP; distinguished guests, welcome all.

I 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.

Thank you all for joining Graeme and me for dinner at Government House.

It is wonderful to have you with us — our way of thanking you for the outstanding work you undertake in fostering and maintaining a healthy Queensland.

Your support in this endeavour means a great deal, and I am honoured to be a Patron of the many health-promoting organisations represented here this evening.

As former medical professionals, both Graeme and I advocate for the health of all Queenslanders whenever and wherever possible. The pledge I made at my swearing-in as Governor, to visit every public hospital in this state, has featured heavily in our regional visitations over the past three-and-a-half years.

We have also dedicated ourselves to supporting numerous health organisations as Patrons, several of which are represented here this evening. These patronages have enabled us, in turn, to open up Government House and the Fernberg Estate to even more Queenslanders, by way of our regular community bushland walks, yoga days and other events.

And I’ll take this opportunity to again thank Dr Robyn Littlewood and her team at Health and Wellbeing Queensland for their efforts in co-hosting many of those events.

And as some of you will know, just this last week we held a
double-header health event of sorts — the official opening our magnificent new network of bushland tracks here at Fernberg, and launching Graeme’s wonderful collection of writings, Stepping Out from Fernberg, which are inspired by his many walks in the suburbs surrounding Government House.

These initiatives form a large part of the legacy we wish to leave when my term is completed, that of health, fitness and connectedness with nature and the outdoors.

It is safe to suggest that health and wellbeing is of paramount importance to all of us here this evening.

The achievement of a healthy state, especially one so large and far reaching in its geographical and cultural makeup, demands great attention and effort from many agencies but a sense of wellbeing – physically, mentally, socially and emotionally – for every citizen is certainly a worthy goal to pursue.

Each organisation represented here this evening constitutes a wealth of knowledge in specific fields and the scope of your expertise is wide. You have taken on a responsibility for which all Queenslanders are grateful, and the positive impact of your work reverberates throughout the state.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank you for your dedication to ensuring that our state remains as healthy as possible.

We hope you enjoy tonight’s special dinner, which features Queensland’s wonderful fresh ingredients as always.  Thank you.