Run Army 2023
Lord Mayor, the Right Honourable Councillor Adrian Schrinner; Chief of Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO DSC; Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC; distinguished representatives of the Armed Forces, Legacy Brisbane and RSL Queensland; Run Army event partners and Ambassadors; ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and our four-legged friends, including Run Army Mascot and chief ball chaser, Rocket the Rescue Dog.
I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people who have served and continue to serve our country in the armed forces.
Congratulations everyone—particularly our incredible winners—and thank you all for taking part in such a wonderful event! Graeme and I really enjoyed doing the 5km walk, and are delighted to be joining all of you in supporting Run Army 2023.
It’s not only fantastic to see so many people being active on this Brisbane Autumn morning, but it’s so uplifting to know that you are all behind this Australian Army initiative.
Run Army shines a light on the importance of encouraging and building physical and mental resilience amongst our servicemen and women, some of who may be struggling with health issues that affect their overall wellbeing.
It enables civilian Queenslanders to find out more about the enormous contribution our armed forces make to ensure we live in peace, and that we are helped so capably in the aftermath of adversities created by natural disasters.
And, it highlights the vital work Legacy does to assist the families of injured or fallen service personnel. This year, Legacy celebrates its centenary—an amazing achievement, and one that, as joint Patrons, makes us so proud! Your financial support today will help Legacy continue to deliver its important, life-changing programs.
Service to our country requires immense bravery and dedication. The memorial trophies named in honour of Lance Corporals Rick Milosevic and Jared MacKinney, remind us how our courageous members of our Defence Forces are prepared to risk their lives for others.
Yet, service is also about personal growth—being supported to improve practical skills and abilities, while also developing the capability to focus, to remain calm under pressure, and to provide outstanding, inspirational leadership. We can all learn from this example.
Let us therefore thank all organisers, ambassadors and supporters for bringing us this event, and for enabling us to discover more about the crucial work our Army does.
And, as we look towards ANZAC Day on Tuesday, let us all join together to thank the members of the Australian Army for their exceptional service.
Lest We Forget.