Gladstone Harbour Festival

Gladstone Regional Council, Mayor, Councillor Matt Burnett; ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. 

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, and to all First Nations people here this evening. 

Good evening, everyone — thank you for such a warm welcome. 

At my swearing-in as Governor, almost five years ago, I made a public pledge to be a Governor for all of Queensland and to support Queenslanders wherever they may live. 

It’s a promise that, so far, has taken me to communities across our State, from the islands of the Torres Strait to the grasslands and deserts of the far west and to coastal communities from Cairns to Coolangatta. 

I’m so excited our first official visit to this region has coincided with the most exciting time of the year here in Gladstone, and to return to partake in a festival that holds such fond memories of my time living in Central Queensland with my daughter, and the supportive community who so warmly embraced us. 

This marvellous community event that has been a high point of the annual calendar in Gladstone for more than 60 years. 

Back in 1963, this was a community of just over 7,000 residents and the first festival, that year, was a proud celebration of the centenary of Gladstone’s establishment as a municipality.  

But there were already signs of change – the port was expanding its capacity for the bulk export of coal and grain; plans were afoot to build the world’s largest alumina refinery; and the city had begun the rapid growth that would eventually produce the industrial powerhouse of today with a regional population approaching 70,000. 

The emergence of this region as the ideal location for projects of national and international significance is only the latest stage in Gladstone’s remarkable success story. 

I’ve been very grateful to your Mayor, Matt Burnett, for the regular personal contact he has maintained with me throughout my tenure as Governor, keeping me advised of both the triumphs and the pressures faced by this community. 

And there have been challenges, but this Festival, every Easter, reignites the optimism and sense of connection that have been at the heart of this resilient, resourceful community since Port Curtis was selected as a penal colony, over 180 years ago.

Tomorrow, Graeme and I will be attending the trophy presentation to mark the end of the 78th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. Like the Festival, that iconic race has played a major role in building and sustaining Gladstone’s reputation for excellent facilities and services, and for the friendliness and hospitality of its people.

It has been an absolute pleasure to celebrate the final night of another great festival with you. I congratulate and thank everyone concerned for making this such a memorable event not only for the people of the Gladstone region, but for the thousands of visitors, like Graeme and me, who have joined you for this unique Easter weekend.