St George Community Afternoon Tea Hosted by Balonne Shire Council

Thank you, Mayor Marsh, for your kind introduction, and to Council for your typically warm hospitality this afternoon.

I too acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of these lands, and pay my respects to Elders past and present. 

Kaye and I are truly delighted to be here in St George.

Though we have many times since I was sworn in been to communities in our State’s vast South West, including Charleville, Goondiwindi, Birdsville, Bedourie and Cunnumalla, this is our first visit to St George and the Balonne Shire.

We have just visited St George State High School, where I officially opened the Health and Wellbeing Centre, and then received at Chambers a detailed briefing from Mayor Marsh and Councillors.

We have been very touched by the spirit, warmth and generosity of the people of this region we have so far met.

We look forward to meeting many more tomorrow when I officially open the conference of the Queensland Branch of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association.  

Kaye and I cherish the opportunity of visiting our regional towns.

They are invariably remarkable for their friendly people; the relaxed, country lifestyle of which they are so proud; and their rich histories.

I was very taken a few weekends ago to find a photograph of Mr John Geach at historic Hebel Hotel – about 160 kilometres south of here – beaming up at me from page three of the Sunday Mail.

There was a photograph striking for the genuine country charm it conveyed, but also for its conspicuousness… and by that I mean we in the metropolis do not always see or hear as frequently as we should, stories from our West. 

In our own not insignificant way, Kaye and I hope our visits shine a light on our regional towns, and you all, wonderful people, for you actually delineate our State’s spirit.

But our presence today also vitally acknowledges that our regions are indispensable contributors to our State’s economy, especially here through agricultural enterprise.  

We very much look forward to meeting many of your throughout the afternoon, and while we are in St George.

I commend you all, as members of the warmly uplifting communities of St George and surrounds, communities of such central relevance to our State’s identity. Thank you.