Bond Institute of Health and Sport (BIHS) North Building Opening

Representing the Premier, CEO of the Queensland Academy of Sport Ms Chelsea Warr; Member for Mermaid Beach, Mr Raymond Stevens MP; Bond University Chancellor, the Honourable Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC; Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford; Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Professor Nick Zwar; Bond University Elder, Uncle John Graham; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.  

I too begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today. 

I am honoured to be with you this afternoon for this notable event in the history of Bond University. It is also lovely to meet with Dr Bennett once again, and dignitaries connected to the University in various ways, in order to open the newest addition to your stunning campus, the Bond Institute of Health and Sport North, here at the Robina satellite campus. 

From opening its doors in 1989, the ethos on which Bond University was built, has certainly held it in good stead. Being private and independent has allowed the University to chart its own forward course and the progress it has achieved has been remarkable. 

With 32,000 graduates to date, there can be no mistaking the success of Bond University in its mission ‘to be recognised internationally as a leading independent university’.   

Currently, Bond University has ‘approximately 3,500 full time equivalent students from over 80 countries’2 studying on its campuses, and that is a testament to the clear vision and determination to succeed that was demonstrated all those years ago. 

And today, among the beauty of both the natural and built environments for which Bond University is well known, we applaud the addition of another specially designed building – the Bond Institute of Health and Sport North Building - to support the interest in Sports and Exercise Science, and the growth in popularity of Allied Health programs such as Physiotherapy, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Occupational Therapy.  

Naturally, such news is music to my ears, and not only mine, but also to the many students who will utilise the extra 11,500 square metres of space being provided by this $45 million project right here in Robina, effectively doubling the current space allocated for allied health programs. 

The value of a great education cannot be denied, and nor can the importance of good health and the knowledge that accompanies it.  So, it gives me great pleasure to declare the Bond University BIHS North Building open and to unveil the plaque commemorating this special day. 

Congratulations on your many achievements as an inspiring educational provider.