Dalby Council Breakfast with Emergency Services

Mayor of Western Downs Regional Council, Councillor Paul McVeigh and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Jodie Taylor; members of Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Fire and Rescue and State Emergency Services; volunteers; local high school staff and student representatives; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands on which Dalby stands, and pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.

Thank you all for coming out so early this morning. Getting out of bed early is always a difficult feat during the colder months, but one to which I know you are well accustomed. Emergencies don’t bow to clocks or calendars, and I want to express my appreciation for your willingness to respond at a moment’s notice, regardless of the hour or the day.

I would like to extend my thanks to your families and loved ones as well, because I know that they, too, make sacrifices in order that we are kept safe, and I want them to know how much this is appreciated.

One of the greatest responsibilities that exists is that of keeping others safe, and one of the most cherished abilities is that of being able to go to the rescue of people in need.

In times of emergency or disaster, it is immensely reassuring to the people of Dalby and its districts to know that they have such a well-trained and competent group of professionals and volunteers primed for immediate action whenever and wherever their expertise is required.

Responding to emergencies is challenging at the best of times. Over the past couple of years, as the impact of COVID-19 has made itself felt, the difficulties of your task have compounded, and I thank you for your resilience and your tireless dedication to your community.

I know that the Council, too, is active in disaster management, and I wish to thank them not only for all that they do in that area, but for hosting this event. I am glad to have the opportunity to express in person my gratitude for the superb work that you all do. 

I would also like to thank the local high school captains for their presence here today. Students, as school leaders you are invested in the safety and wellbeing of your school bodies, and I know that you take that responsibility seriously. This morning you are fortunate in being surrounded by exceptional role models, and I encourage you to take the opportunity to learn all that you can from them.

Thank you all for your time, and I trust you enjoy the breakfast that the Council has so generously provided.