Tuesday 26 March 2024

Good evening all and thank you, Aunty Delmae, for your warm Welcome to Country.

I too, would like to acknowledge 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.

I am very pleased to have this opportunity to say a few words about Pia — although one couldn’t begin to describe Pia’s incredible career and life story in just a few words.

I will begin by thanking her for all the wonderful clothes she has designed, many of which I have worn to my numerous official engagements.

Of course, I am far from the first woman in high office to have had the good fortune to wear one of Pia’s elegant yet functional designs. She could already lay claim to being one of the favoured designers of my predecessor, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce.

But as many of us here already know, when you wear a design by Pia, you are doing more than simply honouring her creativity, mastery of colour, eye for fabrics, and fine tailoring.

Because every Pia du Pradal design has meaning, and usually a story behind it.

This evening, we are celebrating a body of work that illustrates her long-held commitment to promoting Indigenous fashion and culture.

The designs arose from a collaboration with artist Louise Numina Napanangka and are inspired by the landscapes, colours, patterns and natural beauty of her Country.

They have made an impact far beyond the fashion industry, which I understand we will hear more about shortly.

For now, I’d like to extend my heartfelt appreciation that you offered your passion, innovation and belief in cultural expression and inclusivity to Queensland over such a long period.

I am honoured to have the privilege to bear witness this evening to your final fashion show, and while I am sad that the local industry is losing your unique talents, I wish you well in retirement and many happy and fulfilling years ahead.