Reception in support of The International Network of Health Promotion Foundations

Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chair, Mr Steve Ryan, CEO, Dr Robyn Littlewood, Board Members and Executives; International Network of Health Promotion Foundations Chair, Mr Tay; Director-General of the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts, Ms Clare O’Connor PSM; delegates from the International Network of Health Promotion Foundations; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good evening.

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 all First Nations people here this evening.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House, and we take great pleasure in hosting this reception. As Patron of Health and Wellbeing Queensland and as Queensland’s former Chief Health Officer, you will know that there is nothing that makes my heart sing louder or more in tune than the health and wellbeing of not only Queenslanders, but of all people, near and far. So, this reception really is ‘music to my ears.’

With both Health and Wellbeing Queensland and delegates from The International Network of Health  Promotion Foundations (INHPF) here in our beautiful state to participate in The Queensland Prevention Symposium, we know that much valued information will be exchanged and many fruitful discussions will be had.

The Symposium, hosted by Health and Wellbeing Queensland and Queensland Health, is a valuable opportunity to celebrate the work that has led to better health outcomes for our communities. And this work is expansive, as you would be aware.

There is always more that can be done though, and your contributions to this symposium will ensure that more is learned about the state of health and wellbeing both here and abroad, and that knowledge will serve to inform decision-making across a broad spectrum of policy makers, practitioners and community leaders.

The input of colleagues from Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, Taiwan, Korea, in conjunction with that of Queensland’s own health professionals, will create not just a bank of current health data but an impetus for future planning, policy and practice that will better support health and wellbeing for Queenslanders over the coming decades.

In our own way here at Government House, we are also keen promoters of the benefits of an active lifestyle and regularly partner with Health and Wellbeing Queensland to host events that encourage the wider public to develop healthy habits, whether that be through Yoga on the Lawn or our regular community bushland walks through the Estate and further afield in regional Queensland.

We applaud you on the work that you continue to do in the realms of health and wellbeing and know that the outcomes of the symposium will lead to health benefits across the board.

Once again, it’s our pleasure to welcome delegates from the International Network of Health Promotion Foundations and we look forward to sharing conversation and our Government House hospitality with you. Thank you.