Official Launch of the 2021 Sunshine Coast Open House Program

Thank you for such a warm welcome. Mayor Jamieson and fellow Councillors; Sunshine Coast Open House Ambassador, Mr Malcolm Middleton and Chair, Ms Lindy Atkin; architecture lovers of all ages.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands across the Sunshine Coast, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders. I further thank Dr O’Chin for the Welcome to Country. 

Since 2014, when I commenced my role as the 26th Governor of Queensland, I have had the enormous privilege of meeting many committed citizens, who are working hard to enhance the well-being of this State and its people.

One such group of Queenslanders is the team behind Sunshine Coast Open House. 

In 2017, it was my pleasure to launch the inaugural program, where the doors to some of the region’s most notable properties were thrown open.  

Last year, the disruption of COVID-19 led the management team to cleverly orchestrate virtual tours and online events, providing an opportunity to share an architect’s eye, while gaining insight into the principles behind the impressively conceived Sunshine Coast Design guide.

Through this holistic approach, the love and respect residents have for their local identity can be vibrantly expressed through the built environment 

The Sunshine Coast Design initiative was a wonderful fit for Sunshine Coast Open House.

I applaud both initiatives, in part, for seeking to preserve the buildings of our past.

Breathing new life into historical buildings is fundamental to protecting and understanding our cultural heritage.

For this reason, I was delighted to see Currimundi House on the Open House list this year.

This former seaside residence was originally located at Dicky Beach in the 1930s and belonged to Queensland’s longest-serving Governor, Sir Leslie Wilson, and Lady Wilson. 

The house was moved to Buderim a few years ago, and makes its Open House debut in 2021.

While I would love to pop my head inside, I promised Kaye I wouldn’t be undertaking any pre-retirement house inspections today!

This year’s program once again embraces a mix of old and new buildings, but I would particularly like to thank the owners of the many private residences who will so generously allow the public into their homes.

This deserves much praise and clearly reflects the warm and friendly lifestyle for which the Sunshine Coast is famous.

Bringing the Open House program to fruition takes tremendous commitment on the part of many.

On behalf of Queenslanders, and as Brisbane Open House Patron, I thank the Sunshine Coast Open House Committee, staff, volunteers and supporters – especially Council and the Australian Institute of Architects –for their efforts in this regard.

I am delighted to declare officially open the 2021 Sunshine Coast Open House program.

I further encourage Queenslanders to continue to embrace this wonderful initiative. I wish it every success for its future. Thank you.