Lunch with Barcoo Shire Council and Community Representatives

One of my very first visitors to Government House, a month after I was appointed, was the students and staff from Ilfracombe, Muttaburra and Windorah State Schools.

I’m glad I’ve been able to return the favour, and visit them, as well as Jundah, Bedourie and Birdsville State Schools, as part of Regional Government House.

The students are very lucky to be growing up in the Queensland Outback, and not just because it is spectacular country – though it is; and not just because their schools are excellent – though they are; and not just because they are at the heart of a tight-knit community, though that is certainly true.

They are lucky because the values of the Outback, of knowing who you are and where you stand, is a precious gift in a changing world.

Kaye and I have been welcomed throughout the Barcoo, and I want to thank the staff at the Jundah Primary Health Centre and the Windorah Primary Health Centre, who took the time to show me through their vitally important facilities.

I also thank the Barcoo Shire Council and staff for their hard work in preparing the ground for us to bring Regional Government House to the region.

Seventy years ago, when Governor Sir Leslie Wilson, visited Jundah, he apologized for leaving the visit to the end of his term, but explained it just wasn’t possible with the affairs of the State to be able to be absent from the seat of government for the time necessary to make the visit any earlier.

Now technology does make it possible to run the constitutional and civic affairs of Government House from the regions.

It has been a great experience for the Governor – and I hope it has been a great experience for the region.

I thank you for welcoming me Kaye and I to Windorah and Jundah, and hope you enjoy the luncheon.