Reception in support of the 30th Anniversary of Hear and Say

The Honourable Chief Justice Helen Bowskill; The Gap Ward Councillor Steven Toomey; Hear and Say Founder and Executive, Dr Dimity Dornan AO; Chairman, Mr Matthew Ames and Board Members; CEO, Mr Greg Elphinston; staff and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands of Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and extend respectful greetings to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

It gives Graeme and I enormous pleasure to welcome you to Government House this evening. We so pleased to be able to celebrate your special anniversary with you this year, particularly after COVID derailed our original plans to host you in July.

For 30 years, Hear and Say has been at the forefront of supporting Queenslanders living with a hearing impairment — striving to ensure that a diagnosis of hearing loss is made early, and that life changing interventions are not delayed.

As doctors, parents and grandparents, Graeme and I are truly touched and inspired by your incredible work, which provides so much love and hope to the ever-growing number of Queenslanders who struggle to hear.

At every stage of life, hearing is integral to health and wellbeing, and we wholeheartedly support your vision for 'a world where everyone has the ability to communicate, connect and live their best lives'.

It was 1992 when Dr Dimity Dornan was driven by a simple desire to help children born without hearing. From humble beginnings she set about with tenacity, dedication and commitment establishing a centre to assist these children to learn to speak, and to listen.

Under her brilliant leadership, the organisation quickly grew, and with continual and rapid advances in research and technology, more and more possibilities were created for babies, children and adults living with impaired hearing to enjoy life without disadvantage.

Keeping pace with a growing need for services has required first class business strategies, continual advocacy for increasing demands, as well as ongoing financial support.

Today, Hear and Say employs outstanding and talented teams of health professionals, technical experts and administrative staff who deliver practical, social and life skills to Queenslanders with hearing loss, to ensure they aren’t left behind.

I sincerely thank you for all your exceptional work. I also commend the Board and the many community and corporate partners who so very generously support Hear and Say — without you, much of the organisation’s wide-reaching work would be impossible.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I wish you every success for the future. In particular, I acknowledge the extraordinary contribution and legacy of Dr Dornan as she transitions to her Ambassador and Board role.

Before you join us for some wonderful Government House hospitality, I would like to take this moment to present her with a Certificate of Patronage.  Thank you.