Goondiwindi Community Wellbeing Walk

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, the Honourable Mr Pat Weir MP; Member for Southern Downs, Mr James Lister MP; Goondiwindi Regional Mayor, the Honourable Lawrence Springborg AM and Councillors; Deputy CEO of Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Ms Gemma Hodgetts; members of the Goondiwindi community and fellow walkers. 

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 any First Nations people here today. 

Graeme and I are delighted you could join us—bright and early—for this morning’s three kilometre walk along Goondiwindi’s beautiful Macintyre River. 

As a former health professional, I will always have a deep appreciation for any initiative that gets people moving—because it is just so beneficial for the body and the mind. 

I am therefore proud to be Patron of Health and Wellbeing Queensland—who are co-hosting today’s walk—because it allows me to blend my role as Governor for all Queenslanders, with my enduring passion for keeping our state healthy. 

What is really important, is bringing activities like this out of Brisbane and into regional areas—and we have already held similar events in Townsville, Cairns and Rockhampton. 

While Government House might be located in our capital, I consider it crucial that I connect first-hand with communities around the state—to meet more incredible Queenslanders, and to hear about the interests and issues that affect you. 

The team at Health and Wellbeing Queensland are also committed to ensuring people live healthier lives, regardless of age, ability, or where they live—because prevention is definitely better than cure! 

By being active together, we are not just improving our bodies, but are benefitting from sharing this experience, and being out in nature. 

I appreciate too, that in Goondiwindi, the heat can affect when you are able to comfortably exercise outside, so let’s take advantage of the morning’s coolness. 

And on that note, it’s time for us to charge up our walking shoes so we can enjoy your stunning part of the world.  

Thank you everyone!