The Salvation Army 2024 Red Shield Appeal Brisbane Launch

The Honourable Justice Debra Mullins AO; The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner; Member for Nanango, Mrs Deb Frecklington MP; Federal Opposition Leader, the Honourable Peter Dutton MP; Councillor for Central Ward, Councillor Vicki Howard; Councillor for Marchant Ward, Councillor Danita Parry; The Salvation Army Divisional Commander Queensland, Major Mark Everitt; senior representatives of the Australian Defence Forces; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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 morning.

Graeme and I have the privilege of being Joint Patrons of the Queensland Division of The Salvation Army and it is with some humility that I stand before such a large assembly of its most generous and selfless benefactors.

Every day since the Salvos arrived in Queensland 158 years ago they have worked diligently to care for those most in need.

Fortunately, the vast majority of Australians can afford to live a comfortable life, but an increasing number of us, sadly, cannot.

A society can quite fairly be judged based on how it chooses to treat its least fortunate. We do not have the option of walking on by. 

Graeme and I deem it a great privilege to be among a group of Queenslanders who, like yourselves, choose not to walk on by.

Your generous support provides Street Survival packs for those sleeping rough, meals, groceries and essentials for those in need, including Escape Kits for mothers and children escaping violence.

Funds raised in this year’s appeal will be used to provide food, financial assistance and counselling, accommodation for those families impacted by domestic violence, alcohol and drug services and so much more.

We can be sure that there will be more floods, more cyclones and more fires, but we can also be sure that The Salvation Army will be there too.

And they are able to be there, because you are there, supporting the Salvos in the most practical way.

As Governor, I say to you on behalf of all Queenslanders, thank you for the difference your generosity makes every day in the lives of fellow Australians.

It is indeed a great honour to officially launch the 2024 Red Shield Appeal and I wish all involved outstanding success.