Inaugural ABC Radio Brisbane Community Spirit Awards

ABC Radio, Brisbane Manager, Mr Simon Scoble; distinguished guests; finalists. It is a great honour, as your Governor, to join you tonight. 

I acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders. 

2020 may come to be known as the defining year of many a generation.

It has certainly had more than its usual share of challenges.

But to me 2020 has been defined, not by its difficulties, but by those acts of hope, kindness and togetherness that are highlighted by these awards – those threads of brightness woven through an otherwise muted tapestry.

The inaugural ABC Radio Brisbane Community Spirit Awards called on the listeners to nominate their local heroes, and the response has been fantastic.

Each of the nominees, finalist or not, has made a real difference to the people of Brisbane in these difficult times. 

I have been uplifted by the stories behind the nominations, the stories of wonderful people who have gone above and beyond to bring people together and foster welcoming places and spaces.

These are local stories, but their impact is felt on a wider stage.

The five awards have in common the values of harmony and inclusivity. These values are important at any time, but they particularly resonate during times of global uncertainty, when the world can seem at times fractured and discordant.

I congratulate every one of the finalists, winner or not. You have made a huge contribution to community spirit, and I thank you for that.

None of this could have happened without a great deal of behind-the-scenes work, and I would like to commend and thank the people at ABC Radio Brisbane for this timely initiative.

The ABC has a history itself of promoting harmony and fostering goodwill. It has a proud record of supporting the people of Queensland when they’ve struggled with drought, flood and natural disaster.

Last year I provided a video message in support of the ABC Brisbane bushfire appeal, and I witnessed firsthand the impact that had on local communities. I have been interviewed on several occasions during my term as Governor, most recently when I called in to Craig and Loretta from Birdsville, and the conversations have been far-ranging and thought-provoking.

In any democracy, the national broadcaster plays an important role in providing information, commentary and inspiration to its citizens.

Today we are inspired by the contributions of individuals and groups to uniting and connecting our community, and so it gives me enormous pleasure to officially launch the inaugural ABC Radio Brisbane Community Spirit Awards, and to shortly present the first five awards! Thank you.