Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Educate Plus Queensland

Educate Plus, Board Chair, Ms Myfanwy Stanfield and CEO Ms Mandy McFarland; Educate Plus Queensland Chapter President, Ms Susan McGinley and Committee Members past and present; Advancement professionals; distinguished guests.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this evening.

As Governor, and a beneficiary of this country’s wonderful education system, I am delighted to welcome so many accomplished professionals from the sector to Government House to this reception to mark the 35^th anniversary of the Queensland Chapter of Educate Plus. Anniversaries like this provide us with an important opportunity to look back with pride, and to reflect on the future with renewed purpose.

Tonight, we pause to honour an organisation whose work has shaped the lives of so many Queensland students, strengthened ties with local communities, and enhanced the educational landscape in our state.

Since 1991, Educate Plus Queensland has gone from strength to strength and today comprises almost 500 members, representing 116 educational bodies across the state––from schools to educational groups, universities and university residential colleges.

As leaders in educational advancement, you continue to strengthen your institutions through philanthropy, community engagement, and relationship‑building. Whether your work is in admissions, marketing, engagement, partnerships, advancement, or alumni relations, each of you plays a vital role in the ongoing success of your institution and its students.

Fundraising and engagement have become essential to the financial and reputational strength of our educational institutions, with advancement professionals securing transformative support for facilities, technology, and scholarships that opens doors for Queensland students in need.

Yet these activities are increasingly challenging, shaped by economic uncertainty and a rapidly evolving philanthropic landscape. This more complex environment underscores the importance of continued investment in the skills and expertise of our fundraising practitioners.

And, thanks to the key role that Educate Plus plays in helping members to navigate new and emerging challenges, those working to advance our educational institutions have been able to keep pace with the changes.

Educate Plus has always been defined by generosity, with members consistently supporting their institutions and each other, building a Chapter where meaningful connections, collaboration, shared insights and professional development thrive.

I wish to acknowledge Chapter President Susan McGinley and all Committee members––past and present––for their leadership, foresight and commitment. And I thank the volunteers who have given their time so generously, the educators who have shared their expertise, and the numerous donors, partners and parents who have invested in programs.

As you mark 35 years of service, the focus now turns to the future, and the international conference being hosted in Brisbane this September, expected to attract delegates from Australia, New Zealand and Asia. This major event is a tremendous coup for Queensland and an exceptional opportunity to showcase our State’s leadership in education and philanthropy.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I offer my sincere congratulations and thanks all of you, for your lasting contributions to our educational landscape. Congratulations on 35 inspiring and impactful years — may the next chapter be just as rewarding and exciting. Thank you.