Governor-designate, the Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley and Dr Matthew Yoong; Member for Stafford, Mr Luke Richmond MP; Director-General, Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, Ms Belinda Drew; Meals on Wheels Australia, Chair, Mr Paul Sadler; Meals on Wheels Queensland CEO, Mr Evan Hill, staff, volunteers and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.
I thank Aunty Kerry Charlton for her warm Welcome to Country, and I also acknowledge the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here tonight.
Good evening, everyone, and thank you for that warm welcome. Graeme and I are so pleased to join you in the beautiful surroundings of the Watermall, to mark the 70th Anniversary of Meals on Wheels in Queensland. As Joint Patrons, we are delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate the organisation’s achievements across our State.
Tonight, I’m sure we are all feeling great pride in what has been accomplished over the past seven decades. Central to that pride is the gratitude we feel towards those who have worked so hard over that long period of time—years that have seen immense change and development and, on occasion, intense challenges in our region.
Meals on Wheels is an outstanding example of a service that has made a truly meaningful impact on the happiness and wellbeing of so many, especially older Queenslanders.
From its early beginnings in Ipswich, in 1956, Meals on Wheels has grown into a far-reaching organisation— an iconic organisation — that is, quite simply, an essential part of Queensland life.
One astonishing statistic underscores how vital this service is in our State: over 2.9 million meals are prepared and delivered by Meals on Wheels in Queensland, every year.
It’s hard to imagine that scale, but I’m sure we can all understand that such an achievement can only be delivered by a profound sense of dedication and skill at every level of the organisation.
Meals on Wheels, of course, offers so much more than a meal service. This is an organisation founded in kindness and community spirit. When Rhoda Cameron, back in the 1950s, saw there was a need for meals in her local community, she stepped up, rallying others to the task.
Seventy years on, I’m proud to note that the same ethos of generosity thrives in Meals on Wheels in Queensland, and beyond.
In our state, well over 6,000 volunteers — some of whom have assisted for their entire adult lives — give of their time and abilities to make a positive difference, every day.
Meals on Wheels unlocks the opportunity for many — especially for our precious older Queenslanders — to maintain independence in their own homes. Beyond the tasty meal brought to the door, the wonderful volunteers also offer their friendly interaction, keeping ‘a gentle eye’ on the welfare of their clients, helping to allay loneliness and social isolation in our most vulnerable community members. This is deeply important, impactful work.
As former medical practitioners ourselves, Graeme and I appreciate the extensive physical and emotional benefits that come from good food and enjoyable social connection, not least the notable decrease in fall risk associated with better nutrition and hydration.
My five-year term as your Governor draws to a close in November. During those years, Graeme and I have travelled extensively throughout our diverse State, listening to the experiences of Queenslanders, including during many visits to Meals on Wheels locations.
We have been moved by the resilience and determination of so many, especially those who understand that a compassionate community underpins a strong, cohesive society.
We have seen that Meals on Wheels plays an irreplaceable role in that vital strengthening process.
On behalf of all Queenslanders, I offer my most sincere gratitude for all that Meals on Wheels has achieved in 70 wonderful years.
Congratulations to you all, and enjoy the celebrations.
