Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation “40 Years Strong” Launch

Director-General Queensland Health, Dr David Rosengren; Metro North Health Board Chair, Mr Bernard Curran and Members of the Board; Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation Acting Chair, Ms Kristin Devitt, Board Members, CEO Ms Simone Garske and Executives; Foundation Ambassador Mr Curtis McGrath; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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 any First Nations people here today, and I thank Ms Roslyn Boland for her Welcome to Country.

As Governor, representing the people of Queensland, and as Patron of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation, I am absolutely delighted and enormously proud to help celebrate the 40^th anniversary of this incredible organisation.

This morning’s launch of “40 Years Strong” gives me the opportunity to applaud the immense contribution the Foundation has made to advancing patient care, and instigating life-saving research—the effects of which do not just benefit Queenslanders, but are felt globally.

The list of breakthroughs, achievements and initiatives over these four decades is long, but with more than $80 million dollars distributed by the Foundation since 1985, the transformative power of this financial support has seen almost every area of medicine and health receive a vital boost.

Particular highlights include the establishment of the Perinatal Research Centre; maximising the potential of 3D-printing through a partnership with the Herston Biofabrication Institute, and raising almost $6 million dollars through the Coronavirus Action Fund…

…While ground-breaking research across the Herston Health Precinct, has changed world practice in the areas of maternal health, cancer, burns and trauma, antibiotic dosing in intensive care, and premature babies.

Of course, at the heart of the RBWH Foundation—and crucial to its success—is the outstanding passion and dedication of all the amazing individuals who have been unfailingly committed to the goals of the organisation.

From those who over the years have worked for the Foundation, to the Ambassadors and volunteers who champion its objectives, the hard-working fund-raisers, and donors who give so generously, and the dedicated staff of the hospitals and of Metro North, the organisation’s accomplishments represent a true “community” effort—demonstrating what can be done when people share a united vision.

While the changing, complex nature of health ensures the need for innovation will continue, this year’s significant milestone deserves celebration as much as it does reflection.

I know there are some fabulous activities planned for 2025, including a staff reunion, the return of the much-loved Royal Run for Research, and surprises delivered to patients and staff through the “40 Moments of Joy” program.

As an ardent supporter of the public health system, I am proud to see Queensland’s largest hospital leading the way, but it is through the efforts of all of you—and through the altruism of the people of this state, that the institutions the Foundation serves can continue to forge new paths in patient care and treatment.

Congratulations, and on behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank each of you for the part you have played in reaching this historic moment.