Roma State College Assembly

Maranoa Regional Council, Mayor, Councillor Tyson Golder and CEO Ms Edwina Marks; Roma State College Acting Principal Mr Regan Gant; Head of Senior Campus, Mr Phil Reid; staff and students.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

I am so happy to be making my first official trip to Roma as Governor of Queensland, and to be here at your impressive school.

As our State’s representative of our new monarch, King Charles III, an important part of my job is to travel widely to meet those who contribute to Queensland’s diversity and success.

My husband, Graeme, and I only arrived in Roma yesterday, but we have already had a busy and enjoyable visit, spending time with the people in your community who make it such a thriving place.

Roma, as no doubt you’re aware, is famous for its Queensland Bottle Trees—they line the streets, and honour the fallen on Heroes’ Avenue, along which Graeme and I walked yesterday.

These special trees give this town beauty and shade, flourish through the extremes of the seasons, provide a safe habitat for native animals and demonstrate the power of resilience, tolerance and innovation.

These same qualities will serve you well as you move through life, but we should also remember that our successes so often depend on the involvement of others.

Teachers and educational staff give so much more than their knowledge. They are often your greatest cheerleaders—supporting you when you need assistance, and bringing out your unique talents—recognising that it is our differences that make our communities so much stronger. On October 28, which is World Teachers’ Day, our State will celebrate their immense contribution.

The bonds you form at school also demonstrate how effective togetherness can be— whether it’s doing fun activities at school camp (from which I believe the Grade 6s have recently returned) or being part of the All Schools Touch Team (which I’m told has enjoyed some recent triumphs on the Coast).

During these last few months of the year, I wish you all a wonderful, fulfilling time. In particular, I congratulate the Year 12s who will soon be heading into a new, exciting chapter in their lives.

The Roma State College motto ‘Respect, Strive, Contribute’ has provided you with a lifelong mantra that will guide you long after you leave school.

Thank you all for welcoming Graeme and I so warmly today and helping to make our visit to Roma so memorable. I hope to get to know some of you a little better at a Q&A session following this assembly.