Dinner in support of the 2026 Outback Queensland Cattle Drive

Mayor, Barcaldine Regional Council, Councillor Rob Chandler; Mayor, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Councillor Andrew Martin; Mayor, Longreach Regional Council, Councillor Tony Rayner; Chairman, Outback Queensland Cattle Drive 2026 and Director of BeefBank, Mr Anthony (Bim) Struss; Board Member, BeefBank, Mr Andrew Rodgers; Co-Founder, Foodbank Queensland, Mr David Muir AM; Chief Executive Officer, Outback Queensland Tourism Association, Ms Denise (DD) Brown; CEO, Australian Country Choice, Mr Anthony Lee; my Deputy Official Secretary, Mr Scott Allen; and Principal Communications Advisor, Ms Freya Petersen. 

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. 

Graeme and I are very pleased you could join us this evening, so we can continue to celebrate the positive impact the Outback Queensland Cattle Drive is having on our state.  

As I mentioned earlier today, last year’s launch event was a truly memorable experience. I don’t believe there are many other Governors (if any!) who can say they have signed an official stock route travel permit on the bonnet of a ute; and although I’d been told as a child never to swing on a gate, Bim kindly indulged my whim, while Graeme enjoyed a spot of whip-cracking. 

Of course, as you heard, the success of this inaugural adventure was demonstrated by very tangible results, delivering 300,000 nutritious meals to struggling Queenslanders, and raising global awareness about the important issue of food insecurity. 

The Drive honours a tradition of droving dating back to the early colonial era and showcases the incredible horsemanship of our stockmen and women. It endorses Queensland’s outstanding credentials for producing top-quality beef––enjoyed on dinner plates around the world!–while celebrating a cattle grazing industry that is dominated by family-owned businesses, such as Australian Country Choice, and is a major contributor to the fortunes of our State.

Our hearts go out to all of those who are currently experiencing significant stock losses due to recent and ongoing flooding. While our graziers are used to the challenges of raising cattle and understand the complexities of the industry, such unexpected disasters take their toll on livelihoods and morale. 

I am therefore so pleased that this initiative is there to provide valuable support when it is most needed. In fact, it was sheer brilliance of the Rotary Club of Brisbane Centenary to bring together its wonderful charity, BeefBank and the industry itself in such an innovative way—and I commend Andrew and Bim for bringing this idea to life.  

I also extend my gratitude to all involved in organising the event and supporting its objectives. This includes the people in the communities along the stock route, and I thank the Mayors with us tonight who represent the Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo and Longreach Regional Councils—for there is no doubt that the spirit of the outback shines most brightly through the warm, welcoming nature of those who call it home.    

I mentioned earlier the flooding in your respective parts of the State, and I would like to thank each one of you for all that you do to support your communities through such times of adversity, as well as for your leadership and advocacy as people look to recover and rebuild.  

Graeme and I are both very much looking forward to being in Longreach in May, for the launch of the 2026 Outback Queensland Cattle Drive, which will take the mob on another epic journey. I am sure it will be a spectacular sight, raising dust and hopes as it moves across our State. 

It will come as no surprise that tonight’s dinner features Queensland beef, with our Head Chef, Paul Newsham, paying homage to the immense variety of ways in which it can be served. I know he will be very pleased to answer any questions you might have after our meal. 

I wish you all the very best in the lead-up to this year’s Outback Queensland Cattle Drive.