On this day …
On Wednesday, in the morning, at the Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM attended the official launch of Brisbane Open House 2024, and the Governor addressed guests.
Following, at Government House, Her Excellency greeted students from St Kevin’s Catholic Primary School visiting for a guided tour of the House and gardens.
The Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner; Brisbane Open House Chair, Mr Malcolm Middleton and Executive Director, Ms Melissa Hoedel; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.
I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, who hunted, fished and lived here beside the mighty Maiwar River for millennia before the arrival of Europeans. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and to the First Nations people with us today.
In the 200 years since Europeans first settled here, Brisbane’s history has been played out in this place.
We’ve seen the lagoons and tortoises disappear; we’ve watched a park and an elite suburb rise where convict farmers once grew corn; we’ve been in awe of the industrial giant that once powered our vast tram network; and we’ve collectively embraced the Powerhouse since it rose like a Phoenix from dereliction to become today’s thriving centre for the Arts.
Rescued by the Brisbane City Council from a life of squatters, graffitists and rave parties, the Powerhouse was declared a place of local heritage significance, and today is a superb example of some of the major objects and themes of Open House.
First, it’s a model of best practice with regard to adaptive re-use and urban regeneration; it’s also accessible to all and will serve as an ideal hub for the focused, local celebration of New Farm as this year’s Village of Brisbane; and finally, it celebrates the work of not just the original 1920s architect, Roy Rusden Ogg, but the collaborative team who re-imagined the Powerhouse that, almost a quarter of a century on, has become an integral part of the New Farm community.
All of this makes it an ideal choice for the launch of this year’s Open House.
In less than a month, hundreds of curious visitors will be disembarking at the New Farm ferry terminal, New Farm Park will be packed with picknickers, and this building will come alive with the stories hidden in its corners and walls.
At the same time, in Paddington, Graeme and I and our team of staff and volunteers will once again be welcoming visitors to Government House. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the first time Fernberg became part of this marvellous annual celebration and it has been an unqualified success, giving us the opportunity to share part of our State’s heritage with thousands of Queenslanders every year.
As Joint Patrons of Brisbane Open House, Graeme and I congratulate the entire Open House team on the excellent program they have developed this year, and thank the generous supporters and donors, building owners, ambassadors, and the hundreds of volunteers for their commitment to this wonderful program. It could not happen without you.
It now gives me great pleasure, as Governor, to officially launch Brisbane Open House 2024.
