Morning Tea in support of Lady Bowen Trust Queensland

Chair, Ms Victoria Parker and fellow members of the Board of Advice; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands around Brisbane, extending respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

Kaye and I warmly welcome to you Government House for today’s morning tea, to celebrate the work of the remarkable Lady Bowen Trust.

Throughout history we know that when we face great challenges – as COVID has been for all of us this year – it is often our most vulnerable in society who can be left behind. 

Now more than ever, organisations such as the Lady Bowen Trust, and their charitable partners and supporters, are vital.

Homelessness is by no means a recent issue in our society, nor is it something likely to go away anytime soon.

Further, the numbers of those who are at risk of homelessness is also growing. You know the statistics more intimately than do I, and you see the effects of homelessness – in all its forms – on those with whom you work daily. So too are you aware of the varied and complex causes that lead to people experiencing homelessness.

Since its formation in 2006, the Trust has disbursed more than $1.5 million to Queenslanders in need.

The Trust’s great strength has always been the individual and flexible nature of the support it provides, and the partnerships it fosters with established charities. 

Today I unreservedly say thank you to you all. 

Homelessness can affect anyone, at any time.

It is upon us all to use what voice we have, to help break down the stigma of homelessness, and to support frontline organisations to carry out their life-changing missions.

The Lady Bowen Trust is, of course, very dear to the hearts of us all at Government House. 

Diamantina, Lady Bowen was a well-loved and highly-regarded Queenslander.

As noted in the Brisbane Courier newspaper on her death in 1893, Lady Bowen “identified herself prominently with all social movements, especially those connected with charity”.

Indeed, her tenure as wife of the Governor set the tone for the many who have followed and who have similarly worked in this role towards the betterment of so many in our State.

Thank you for preserving her legacy.

I know her compassion and equanimity inspire the Trust’s contemporary activities. 

All of you are most remarkable Queenslanders, and are to be commended for your humanity, in making a difference in the lives of Queenslanders experiencing homelessness.

Thank you.