Representing the Premier, Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing, the Honourable Grace Grace MP; Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Curtis Pitt MP; Queensland Community Foundation Board of Governors Chair, the Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC, and the Honourable Philip McMurdo KC; Chief Executive Officer, Ms Tara Castle; 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 any First Nations people here today.
Graeme and I are pleased to welcome you here to Government House to host your official launch of the Foundation’s 2024 Grant Round.
At a time when economic circumstances have again seen a huge number of people turning to charities just to get by, I have no doubt the charitable organisations and other groups who stand to benefit under your latest round of grants will be grateful for the additional support you so generously provide.
Our State has a strong heritage of giving, and the Queensland Community Foundation has made great inroads to ensuring that philanthropy plays an increasingly important, multi-faceted role in the life of Queenslanders.
The Foundation has taken the time to identify, understand and respond to our state’s particular needs, as demonstrated by the prescient areas of focus in your current round of grants which are aimed at supporting and strengthening communities impacted by Queensland’s housing crisis.
From homelessness and hunger to mental health issues, and even the wellbeing of much-loved pets displaced by financial hardship, your assistance will ease the hardship of Queenslanders right across our vast state.
On behalf of the more than 200 charitable organisations you support each year, and the many Queenslanders who will benefit from your philanthropic endeavours, I offer my sincere thanks.
It is very much appreciated.
Please enjoy the warm hospitality of Government House.
