Community Walk Cairns Esplanade

Mayor, Cairns Regional Council, Councillor Amy Eden; Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Ms Gemma Hodgetts, and all of you joining us for this morning’s walk – welcome!

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands and waters of this region, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people joining us today.

Thank you for joining Graeme and me here along the iconic Cairns Esplanade – one of the most picturesque waterfronts in our state – for this special community wellbeing walk.

With its reef, rainforest and rolling ranges, Cairns is a place where nature feels close at every turn. You are blessed with warm weather most of the year, and a lifestyle many people dream about.

But as we all know, good health doesn’t happen by accident. It requires concerted effort – something we must actively plan for, prioritise, and hold ourselves to. Today is a wonderful example of doing just that.

When I became Governor, I pledged to support the wellbeing of all Queenslanders – no matter where they live. It’s a commitment that aligns closely with the mission of our co-host today, Health and Wellbeing Queensland.

This dedicated team, represented by Ms Gemma Hodgetts this morning, works tirelessly across the state to reduce health inequities and support every Queenslander to lead a healthier, more active life.

That is why I am so pleased to bring our community walks to regional centres like Cairns – vibrant, growing communities with so much to offer, and where the benefits of strong health and wellbeing can ripple widely across generations.

This morning is about more than just stretching our legs and enjoying each other’s company. It symbolises our shared goal of building a healthier Queensland — together.

Thank you for taking that step with us today.