Townsville Welcome Reception Hosted By Townsville City Council

Thank you, Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney for a warm welcome to Townsville. I would like to begin by acknowledging you all here this evening including Federal, State and local elected members; Councillor Jenny Hill and her Councilors of course for hosting such a wonderful event; representatives from health, education, emergency services, religious groups, sports, arts and culture, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of Townsville and surrounding areas.

I acknowledge the Traditions Owners of the lands on which we gather, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba People, and pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. Thank you to Elder Virginia Wyles for your Welcome to Country and for welcoming me to your country.

Thank you all for welcoming me so warmly, and for hosting this reception to mark my second Official Visit to Townsville.

I have always enjoyed my visits here, and Townsville was one of my first official regional tours after I was sworn in as Governor of Queensland. It therefore holds a very special place in my heart.

Today began with a Council Briefing, which was very insightful into the current issues and priorities for the area. As always, I particularly enjoy visiting regional and remote schools on my travels. Today, Townsville South State School staff and students played the most gracious of hosts. I believe some of you are here tonight.

As I am sure you are all aware, my previous role as CHO formed part of my vows during my swearing-in as Governor. I vowed to visit as many Queensland hospitals and health facilities as possible during my term and to continue to work to improve the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders.

When I visited Townsville University Hospital earlier, I was delighted to see the hospitals focus on improving patient care and wider community health in practice.

Further, your partnerships with James Cook University and Tafe Queensland North, educate and inspire the healthcare professionals by providing students with world-class healthcare facilities during their critical formative years. For this, the wider community is very grateful.

The outstanding schools and healthcare facilities are just some hallmarks of the pride Townsville takes in nurturing its past, present and future, and all are indicators of a remarkable place to live. Of course, the proximity to the ocean is something that us Brisbanites are always somewhat envious of!

Thank you, once again, for your warm welcome.

I am enthused to see what is to come for the remainder of our trip, and look forward to meeting you all this evening.

Thank you.