Reception in Support of The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Geoff McDonald;

The Salvation Army Divisional Operations Manager, Major Dale Murray; Chair of the Brisbane Corporate and Philanthropic Advisory Group, Mr Ross Israel; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Welcome to Government House and to this gathering of friends and supporters of The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal.

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 with us this evening.

Both Graeme and I believe it both a privilege and pleasure to be Joint Patrons of the Queensland Branch of The Salvation Army.

It is at evenings such as this that we are fortunate enough to meet those who are at the vanguard of the effort to support Queenslanders through their most difficult moments. Be it in times of flood or fire, need or neglect, The Salvation Army is always there providing practical help and support.

It was little more than 20 years after founder William Booth began helping those in need in East London that The Salvation Army found its way here. Since their beginnings in Queensland in the mid-1880s in Maryborough, the Salvos spread across the State quickly, responding to need. That response has never waned and, sadly, nor has the need.

But as we know, the ability to respond quickly in an organised and targeted way, doesn’t happen by accident. It requires long and careful planning, and considerable support – support that you in this room, along with many other generous souls across the State, provide.

Now, more than ever, so many Queensland families need our support as they try to meet even the most basic needs of adequate food and shelter.

One does not have to be a fortune teller to predict that in the years ahead there will be more challenges, as Queenslanders face a rising cost of living and the ever-present forces of nature.

As Governor, I have the great honour to speak on behalf of the people Queensland and express our enormous thanks for all you have done and all you continue to do to make a difference in the lives of so many.

Graeme and I now have the great honour of presenting a certificate of Joint Vice-Regal Patronage to The Salvation Army, if I could please invite Major Dale Murray forward to accept.