Reception in support of the Children’s Hospital Foundation

Children’s Hospital Foundation, Board Chair, Dr Jane Black and Members of the Board; CEO Ms Lyndsey Rice and staff; volunteers and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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 this afternoon.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House, so we can pay tribute to an incredibly generous group of Queenslanders, and thank you all for your truly life-saving contributions to the health and wellbeing of young children across our state and beyond.

As Patron of the Children’s Hospital Foundation, and as former Chief Health Officer, I know that this inspirational organisation is steadfastly committed to strengthening and improving our state’s paediatric healthcare capabilities and enhancing the experiences of those receiving care.

By funding groundbreaking research and state-of-the-art medical equipment, and providing brightness to young patients and their families when times seem bleak, the Foundation is determined to make “the difference every kid deserves”, identifying and dealing with gaps in our system that deserve attention.

Yet, I know that this vital work would not be possible without the generosity of all of you—individual and community donors, corporate and government partners, philanthropists and the devoted team of volunteers—who give time, effort and financial support to ensure the Foundation can continue to achieve its objectives.

Together, you make amazing things happen—whether these are large-scale, world-class breakthroughs that have the power to change the health outcomes of children globally, or small, compassionate kindnesses that help them and their loved ones cope with fear and uncertainty in the hospital environment.

Initiatives such as the innovative digital mental health program, the new cutting-edge PET-CT scanner, the dedicated wig library for young cancer patients, advancements in paediatric brain cancer research, and wonderfully heartfelt programs such as Bravery Beads are just some examples of the positive impact you are making for kids now, and into the future.

Every one of you contributes to such successes and you should feel very proud of all that has been achieved, not just in tangible, practical results, but also in equally important intangible ways that have a lasting, positive impact on those you help.

Ultimately, your efforts give that most necessary of all medicines—hope—and I know that both our healthcare professionals and the families, friends and loved ones of those requiring care, are deeply appreciative of your passionate and altruistic support.

So I once again thank all of you in this room, and all the many other Children’s Hospital Foundation supporters out there in the community, for all you do, each and every day, to ease the suffering of our children.

And I commend the Children’s Hospital Foundation—its Board, Executive and enthusiastic staff —for supporting the vital work of the Queensland Children’s Hospital, which continues to lead the way in treatment and care.

You are each an essential part of a remarkable force—and Graeme and I are truly humbled by your selflessness, kindness and loyalty.