Dinner in support of 200 Years of Brisbane

Representing the Premier of Queensland, the Honourable Steven Minnikin MP; Representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Lisa Atwood; Major General Professor John Pearn AO RFD; President, United Service Club, Major General Darryl Low Choy AM MBE RFD (Retd); Chair, Brisbane Open House, Mr Malcolm Middleton OAM; President, The Royal Historical Society of Queensland, Dr Rebecca Ling, Vice President, Mr Stephen Sheaffe AM, and Honorary Secretary, Dr Ruth Kerr OAM; President, Queensland Family History Society, Mr Graeme Drew; Chair, Coordinating Committee for the Centenary of Brisbane City Council, Ms Judy Magub OAM; Curator, Old Government House, Dr Katie McConnel; your spouses and guests.

Graeme and I are delighted to be hosting this special evening at Government House, and thank you all for being here.

While 2025 represents 200 years—since what was a modest penal colony grew into the thriving contemporary city we enjoy living in today—I also acknowledge the immense contributions of the Turrbal and Jagera people, the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, who have lived in this region for millennia.

I am sure you will agree the insightful and informative remarks given by both my husband Graeme and Major-General Professor John Pearn this evening demonstrate that Brisbane’s bicentennial story is one of devastating setbacks and thrilling successes.

It is almost impossible, now, to imagine how difficult it must have been in those first early years to build a town from scratch—to create essential infrastructure, while coping with endless shortages, and the bureaucracy of a colonial government located so far away.

Yet despite the odds, Brisbane Town flourished, became independent of New South Wales, and subsequently was officially proclaimed a “city”. Over the years, this ‘river city’ has undergone a steady, unstoppable transformation, galvanised by major events such as the Commonwealth Games and Expo 88, and finessed greatly by multiculturalism.

Now, as we look towards the 2032 Olympics, we will see our city advance even more, and I am sure both Captain Henry Miller and John Oxley would struggle to recognise this Brisbane, just as we may struggle to imagine theirs.

Yet, I think that the group sitting at this table tonight would be in a much better position of understanding than most—being such passionate advocates for the importance of the history and heritage that underpin Brisbane’s development.

As Patron of The Royal Historical Society of Queensland, I am proud to support the quest to preserve and study the stories that make our state’s capital so special, and I know each of you is also firmly committed to this same objective.

Your enquiring minds are ensuring we continue to discover and question, and what is even more impressive, is that for many of you, history is a side-hustle—alongside long and distinguished careers in other fields, as illustrated by our speakers, Graeme and John.

I thank them for adding to Brisbane’s fascinating story and hope you all enjoy our celebratory dinner.