Dedication of the Resilience Rock at Binna Burra Lodge

Chair of the Board, Binna Burra Lodge, Mr Steve Noakes and Board Members; Chair, Binna Burra Foundation, Mr Tim Atherton; Building Project Manager, Binna Burra Lodge, Mr Tim Medhurst; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we are gathered, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Graeme and I are delighted to be here this morning, in a beautiful part of Queensland that is very close to our hearts.

Seven years ago, when we learned that the historic Binna Burra Lodge and cabins had been destroyed by a catastrophic bushfire, it was hard to believe that this tranquil place—in the usually lush rainforest of Woonoongoora, Lamington National Park—could have fallen victim to such a disaster.

Our thoughts also went out to the wider Beechmont community where 11 homes were destroyed.

Here at Binna Burra, you not only suffered intense heartache, but were faced with the upheaval of a thriving business suddenly stopped in its tracks, and the hardships this would create.  

Yet, even in the immediate aftermath of tragedy, there was an unshakeable determination that this would not be the end of the Binna Burra story.

In fact, the rebuilding of Binna Burra Lodge exemplifies the powerful quality of resilience that is threaded through the history of this place.

This resilience pays tribute to the endeavours of Robert Collins, who as President of the Royal Geographical Society Queensland in the 1890s, campaigned successfully for the establishment of national parks in the colony.

It honours the memory of visionaries Romeo Lahey and Arthur Groom who worked so passionately to establish the National Parks Association of Queensland, and whose drive to maintain the cultural heritage of Lamington National Park, also led to the development of Binna Burra Lodge — a unique and cherished social business that was born from the deprivations of the Great Depression.

It is represented by all those who have used their influence and voice to serve as champions for the preservation of this unique wilderness, including three of my Vice-Regal predecessors — Sir Henry Wylie Norman, Lord Lamington and Sir John Goodwin.

And above all, this resilience has relied on the unwavering support of all those who have stood by Binna Burra across the generations — and seen it emerge from significant challenges, including, in the last seven years, a global pandemic, a rare hinterland tornado, a cyclone, and of course, the horrors of the Black Summer Bushfires.

The scale of this disaster required the assistance of many. I pay tribute to every single individual who has contributed in some way; and to the myriad collaborative partnerships that have not just rebuilt, but strengthened Binna Burra’s operations for the future.

I acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Steve Noakes, Chair of the Board of Directors of Binna Burra Lodge, who along with board members, executive and staff, never lost hope, and confronted the unthinkable, with a clear and positive path to action.

I commend the crucial support of the Binna Burra Foundation’s Chair, Tim Atherton, board, and its fabulous “Friends of Binna Burra”—of which I was previously a member—and whose spirited volunteers have helped Binna Burra Lodge resume its rightful position within this stunning World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest.

And I thank all those who have been involved with the building project, and whose efforts through practical or financial support, have resulted in the magnificent facility I have inspected today.

This morning, begins another chapter in the Binna Burra story. The Resilience Rock represents strength, solidarity, and an unshakeable promise to commit to the future. It is a tangible reminder that Binna Burra is built on foundations that are reinforced by the compassionate spirit of all those who have loved it.

I am deeply honoured to endorse the words inscribed on the plaque. I wish you all every success as the new Binna Burra Lodge looks to open its doors, and as you head into a century of welcoming visitors from all over the world.

Congratulations for all you have achieved.