Official laying of the Foundation Stone for The Roberts Centre for Learning and Innovation at Churchie

Headmaster, Chairman, Members of the Roberts family, distinguished guests…

I am honoured today, both as the Governor of Queensland and as a proud and grateful old boy of this fine educational establishment, to lay the Foundation Stone for this latest significant evolution in the development of the School, the Roberts Centre for Learning and Innovation.

I am indeed triply honoured, through playing shortly a ceremonial role in the perpetuation of the memory at this place of Dr H E Roberts.  Dr Roberts, then Mr Roberts, was the headmaster when I was here from 1962 to 1965 and his example indelibly imprinted itself upon the development of my own character and capacities as, I am confident was the case, with thousands of young Queenslanders/Australians.  My personal affection for this establishment reflects my considerable gratitude for the leadership of Dr Roberts.

The original Roberts Centre, when opened in 1969, epitomized up-to-date even innovative approaches to the education of boys and young men. This, its contemporary successor, due for completion at the end of next year, will continue a tradition of progressive, while steady, development, which I think beneficially characterized the Roberts era.

I respectfully congratulate the Headmaster and the School Council for embracing this further important development of a truly inspiring educational campus; and I wish the architects and builders God-speed and safety along the journey to completion.

It gives me great pleasure now officially to set this Foundation Stone for the Roberts Centre for Learning and Innovation.