RNA High Tea Fundraiser 2024

25th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and 24th Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO; the 22nd Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Leneen Forde AC; Member for Nanango, Mrs Deb Frecklington MP; President of the RNA, the Honourable David Thomas and Mrs Jane Thomas; distinguished guests and supporters of the RNA, good afternoon.

I join Pip in also 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 today.

What a delight it is to be with you all, for this afternoon’s very special High Tea Fundraiser, and I thank you for making me feel so welcome.

As Governor, and Patron of the RNA, I have had the pleasure of attending this event for the past two years—and what makes it so memorable, is the immense spirit of compassion and togetherness that defines it.

Even before the Ekka officially opens tomorrow, I know you are all keen to demonstrate that while the distances between country and city may be great, you care deeply about the wellbeing of people who cannot easily access the support services they would in urban areas.

This resonates strongly with my Vice-Regal pledge to encourage the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders, wherever they may live, so I thank you for helping strengthen my own efforts.

Shortly we will hear from speakers from BushED (last year’s funding recipients) and Outback Futures, who will receive the benefits from this year’s event.

Both organisations are providing essential services in rural and remote areas, and I commend them for supporting Queenslanders through a range of innovative initiatives.

The funds raised today will help Outback Futures continue its work with children living in North-West Queensland—one of the most remote parts of our state—delivering their “Resilient Kids Program” to primary aged children through the Mt Isa School of the Air.

This exciting and innovative approach to learning, will enable outback kids to develop the skills they need to better cope with adversity, and to forge ahead when times are tough.

It is so important we equip all children with the tools, understanding and capabilities they need to become more resilient, and I congratulate Outback Futures for creating this unique program, which so closely aligns with the RNA’s own charter to help and educate rural youth.

The afternoon ahead will be a treat for us all, as we look forward—not only to hearing from our speakers—but to the live auction, raffles and, of course, the highly anticipated fashion parade!

Behind the scenes are the hard-working, dedicated Committee members and Hostesses, led by the unstoppable Jane Thomas. Their combined vision has seen the RNA High Tea thrive for so many years—and become an integral part of the Ekka experience.

I congratulate them, and also thank all sponsors and generous donors who have brought us this event.

I know that amazing things can happen when a group of determined women get together, so please enjoy this opportunity to catch up with friends, as I finish by thanking each of you here today, for showing your heartfelt support.