Reception in Support of Challenge DV

Challenge DV Chair, Ms Jane Hedger and CEO, Mr Keith Tracey-Patte; Challenge DV supporters and staff; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, welcome one and all to Government House.  

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners 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.  

I am honoured to host this reception, not just as Patron of Challenge DV, but as a Queenslander who desires respectful and supportive partner and family relationships for all.  

To see the powerful work that you perform on a daily basis in order for this to happen, deeply inspires me.    

Last month I joined you for your 10th Anniversary, 3 km walk event at the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens. It was a fantastic and well attended event, and quite moving to witness the extent of the support that Queenslanders demonstrate for Challenge DV.  

This social enterprise is truly empowering to so many Queensland communities; the charitable work you do, the workplace programs you produce and run, the strategic partnerships garnered and the frontline services supporting those in need, are so worthwhile and so valued by all echelons of society. 

I’ve spoken before, as have you, of the scourge of domestic and family violence on our communities, both here in Queensland, throughout Australia, and indeed the world.  

We all long for communities unaffected by violence so that individuals and family members can live fulfilling lives, free of fear.   

It is with a great sense of gratitude that we are here this evening to wholeheartedly thank all those who support and work within Challenge DV.  

It is difficult to imagine just what the impact of what you see and what you hear may have on you, whilst working in this sector. However, it is not hard to imagine what a positive and even life-changing impact you have on those with whom you work, those who find themselves in a violent partnership or family situation. Without you, the future could look very different for these members of our society.  

So, thank you. Thank you for your efforts, and for your advocacy; your voice for the prevention of domestic and family violence needs to continue to be heard, loud and clear and with much reverberation so that your mission to end such violence may, sooner rather than later, be accomplished. 

In conclusion, I would like to present this Patronage Certificate to Challenge DV Chair, Ms Hedger, and with it, a sincere thanks for all that is achieved by your organisation.