Friday 21 June 2024

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Honourable Murray Watt; Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Honourable Matt Keogh MP; representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Fiona Cunningham; Member for Capalaba Mr Don Brown; Member for Greenslopes Mr Joe Kelly; Legacy Brisbane President, Dr Annabel McGuire, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Brendan Cox and Members of the Board; staff; volunteers; collaborative partners; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

I also thank Mr Marlon Riley for his Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, which brings us together in a spirit of goodwill, and highlights the importance of healing.

As Joint Patrons of the Legacy Club of Brisbane, Graeme and I are so proud to be part of this morning’s very special breaking ground ceremony, which signifies the commencement of construction of Legacy House in the Greenslopes health and medical research precinct.

Today marks another significant milestone in the history of an incredible organisation, that for over 100 years now, has provided vital practical and emotional support to veterans and their families.

What has underpinned Legacy’s tremendous success over so many years, and through so many different conflicts and peacekeeping missions, is the determination to provide the right support to serve contemporary needs.

Legacy House represents the latest, inspirational chapter in this exceptional story.

When completed, it will represent a new model of care for our veterans and families, one that takes a holistic approach—a “single front door” principle—that through collaboration, will provide unity and cohesion in the clinical and non-clinical support being offered.

Within its walls, will be an environment dedicated to healing—one that welcomes everyone, and encourages compassion alongside conversation.

This visionary initiative has been the result of immense hard work and devotion, driven by the insights gathered by Legacy Brisbane’s CEO Mr Brendan Cox, during his Paul Tys Churchill Fellowship.

Brendan has always been a strong advocate for the needs of veterans, but his trailblazing work is shaping the way we help our military personnel into the future.  Graeme and I are deeply appreciative of Brendan’s diligence, courage and leadership—and his commitment to seeking better, more effective outcomes for veterans.

On behalf of veterans and their families, we congratulate him for seeing this recommendation leap from the pages of his Fellowship report, and into action.

Yet, of course, this building work could not begin today without the support of many.

We therefore thank all of the remarkable individuals who have contributed to the “Bring It Home” campaign—the Chair, Patrons, Ambassador and committee—and we also acknowledge the deep generosity of philanthropic and corporate donors, who along with the Legacy Brisbane Board, Executive, staff and all Legatees and volunteers have championed passionately and tenaciously for Legacy House’s realisation.

We also acknowledge the Federal Government Department of Veteran Affairs, Queensland State Government and Brisbane City Council for their support.

As Governor, I am proud to be part of this morning’s sod-turning contingent, and as Patrons, Graeme and I are looking forward to seeing Legacy House come to life over the months ahead. Thank you.