'Pawgust' Community Bushwalk as part of Queensland Walks Month

Health and Wellbeing Queensland CEO, Dr Robyn Littlewood; Guide Dogs Queensland CEO, Mr Jock Beveridge; Executive Officer of Queensland Walks, Ms Anna Campbell; Mr Santi Velasquez and Mr Camilo Velasquez; all other four-legged friends and their human helpers; ladies and gentlemen.

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, and to any First Nations people here today.

As Governor of Queensland, and Patron of both Health and Wellbeing Queensland and Guide Dogs Queensland, I am doubly delighted to be hosting this Community Bushland Walk this morning.

You would be aware that at my swearing in, I pledged to do what I could to encourage a healthy and active Queensland, and I’ve now had the pleasure, with the help of Health and Wellbeing Queensland, of co-hosting several events promoting exercise and the great outdoors both here and— for the first time — in regional Queensland.

Our community walk through the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens in May was a great success, as was our effort to mix things up a bit, with Yoga on the Lawn here at the Fernberg Estate in June.

Today, we set off on our Bushland Walk with two aims in mind, for August is not only Queensland Walks Month, but it is also PAWgust, Guide Dogs Queensland’s major fundraising month.

I’m pleased to be able to promote both of these worthy causes today, and with the help of some incredibly special four-legged friends!

It is with gratitude that I acknowledge the partnership we share with Health and Wellbeing Queensland, whose focus on a healthy and active state prompts many people to take up the challenge of physical activity, particularly in the great outdoors, and to enjoy the benefits that come from doing so.

Of course, Queensland Walks seeks to ensure that all Queenslanders can enjoy the great outdoors. I cannot think of a more fitting theme for Queensland Walks Month than ‘Good for the Soul’.

In my experience, it most certainly is! And I’m looking forward to stepping out with you all this morning. Thank you.