2018 Queensland Overseas Foundation Award Ceremony

Queensland Overseas Foundation Board of Governors, Award Winners, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Since 2015, it has been my great privilege to attend these awards, with Kaye, to annually present the Queensland Overseas Foundation Scholarships and Bursaries, and to speak with the recipients.

The relative longevity of my engagement with these unique and important awards has given me a wonderful perspective on their power to transform the lives of young Queenslanders.

Cassandra Baker was – somewhat unusually - a beneficiary of both a Queensland Overseas Fund Scholarship, in 1997, and a 2015 Bursary, which it was my pleasure to announce. 

The Foundation’s support enabled Ms Baker to secure work in a number of prestigious establishments in the United Kingdom before bringing her skills back to Queensland.

After reaching the top of her profession as a Pastry Chef, and then owning her own business, Ms Baker joined the staff of TAFE Queensland, and so a new generation of students have the benefit of her expertise and talents.

This exemplifies the purpose for which the Queensland Overseas Foundation was created: to provide opportunities to outstanding graduates to develop their abilities overseas, and then bring back their experiences to further enrich Queensland industries, through their new skills and connections. 

I know that this year’s Scholarship winners will similarly take full advantage of the opportunities in front of them, and in turn bring great benefits to Queensland upon their return.

Congratulations to the Board, who had the difficult task of selecting the Scholarship and Bursary recipients from an outstanding group of candidates. 

The breadth of their vocations is amazing – from Fashion Design, Carpentry and Children’s Services, to Jewellery Manufacturing, Graphic Design and teaching.

This year’s awardees are a credit to themselves and to their training institutions. 

I acknowledge, with gratitude, the generosity of the sponsors, supporters and industry partners of the Queensland Overseas Foundation. You have created an incredible opportunity for the vocational education and training graduates of Queensland, and as Governor of Queensland and Patron of the Foundation I thank you most sincerely. 

I also extend my thanks to Mr David Mitchell for his service to the Board, and congratulate him on his Life Membership.

To the 2018 Queensland Overseas Foundation Scholarship and Bursary Award winners, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes for the future. Kaye and I look forward to talking with you after the ceremony and learning more about your plans.