Theodore Centenary Official Opening Ceremony and Dedication of the Water Tower

Member for Flynn, Mr Colin Boyce MP; Member for Callide, Mr Bryson Head MP; Banana Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Neville Ferrier and Councillors; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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 all First Nations people here today, including Wulli Wulli Elder and local traditional custodian, Mr Noel Pope.

I am delighted to be joining you all to celebrate Theodore’s centenary, particularly as this is my first official visit as Governor to this unique and beautiful town.

It is tremendous to see so many people here to honour the history and stories that have made this place so special—not just to those who live here, but to our whole State—and I hope you have been enjoying the many festivities on offer this weekend.

On the 29^th of June 1924, my early predecessor—Queensland Governor Sir Matthew Nathan—turned on the water in the irrigation channels that supplied the first 5,000-acre section of the ambitious Dawson River Irrigation Scheme.

Together with the then Queensland Premier, Edward Theodore—after whom Castle Creek was renamed—Sir Nathan was a champion for a project that he considered would be “one of the most important schemes in the world”.

Consequently, from its beginnings, Theodore had all the modern conveniences, with its own power station and electricity, together with the vision and drive to make it an appealing urban centre for the region, with its lovely buildings and palm-tree lined boulevard. 

While the original irrigation scheme was never fully realised, this community—“the town that water built”—has never lost its links to its past, nor its commitment to a vibrant future, and water remains a precious resource, vital for Theodore’s cotton and grain growers.

Today, I am so proud to be here—a century after Sir Matthew first turned on the water pump—to very appropriately dedicate the water tower with its stunning new artwork, and lend my support to a community that deeply values the contributions of those who came before.

This solid water tower symbolises the strength of the people who have made Theodore home. Its impressive artwork perfectly encapsulates the centenary theme—Sensing the Past, Enjoying the Present and Focusing on the Future.

It evokes life along the majestic Dawson River, threading through the stories of ancient indigenous traditions and encouraging us to appreciate the immense beauty of our surroundings, now and for years to come.

I am sure that A Ripple in Time will attract admirers from far and wide, and I congratulate its creators Joel Fergie and Travis Vinson, for the talent and insight they brought to developing this magnificent piece of art.

I would also like to thank Ms Anne Chater, who, together with members of the Theodore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Theodore Historical Society, Mayor Ferrier, the Banana Shire Council and all enthusiastic supporters have made this weekend possible…

…and I am also pleased that Mr Steven Theodore could be here to celebrate the success of the town named after his Great Uncle.

Congratulations everyone, and happy 100^th Theodore!