Health and Wellbeing Queensland Reception

Member for Lytton, Ms Joan Pease MP; Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Board Chair, Mr Stephen Ryan and Members of the Board; Chair, International Network of Health Promotion Foundations, Mr Tay Choon Hong; CEO, Dr Robyn Littlewood, staff and volunteers; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this evening.

It is a pleasure to welcome you to Government House this evening, and a particular warm welcome to our international guests, who are in Brisbane this week to attend the Health and Wellbeing Queensland Prevention Symposium. We’re glad you could join us for this occasion.

As Patron of Health and Wellbeing Queensland, I am delighted to host this Reception in recognition of an organisation whose work has become increasingly important to the future health and wellbeing of our state

This occasion is particularly meaningful to me. Prior to becoming Governor, I spent almost four decades working in healthcare and public health, including as Queensland's Chief Health Officer and Deputy Director-General of Queensland Health. Throughout that time, I saw firsthand the profound impact that prevention, education and early intervention can have on improving lives. My career was devoted to improving community health outcomes, preventing illness before it occurs and supporting Queenslanders to live healthier lives.

When I was sworn in as Governor in November 2021, I spoke of my desire to encourage a healthy and active Queensland. I also committed to visiting every public hospital across our state during my term of office — which I’m pleased to say I will achieve in the coming weeks.

At the time, these commitments reflected not only my professional background, but also my belief that good health underpins nearly every aspect of our lives. It influences our capacity to learn, to work, to connect with others and to participate fully in our communities.

Another goal of mine has been to ensure Government House is an inclusive and welcoming place for all Queenslanders. Looking back, one of the most rewarding aspects of my partnership with Health and Wellbeing Queensland has been the way these aspirations have come together.

Together, we have co-hosted regular community walks through the magnificent Fernberg Estate, welcoming thousands of Queenslanders through the gates of Government House while encouraging people to embrace the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, being active and connecting with others.

We have also partnered to deliver initiatives such as Yoga on the Lawn, creating enjoyable and accessible opportunities for people to focus on their health and wellbeing.

What began here at Fernberg soon reached beyond the gates. Together, we have taken the concept on the road, co-hosting community walks in Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns, Logan and Goondiwindi. In doing so, we have demonstrated that healthy, active and connected communities can be nurtured in every corner of our state.

These activities may seem simple, but they embody something important. They remind us that health is not only about healthcare. It is also about movement, connection, belonging and creating opportunities for people to come together in positive and welcoming environments.

I would like to pay particular tribute to Dr Robyn Littlewood and her team. Over the past five years, our relationship has evolved well beyond the formal connection between Patron and organisation. It has become a genuine partnership, founded on shared values and a common commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.

Some of my most enjoyable and memorable engagements as Governor have been those we have undertaken together, whether here at Fernberg or in communities across our State.

To everyone associated with Health and Wellbeing Queensland, thank you for your dedication, innovation and leadership. Your work is empowering Queenslanders to make positive choices, build healthier habits and enjoy more active, connected lives.

It has been an honour to serve as your Patron and to support your important mission. I wish you every success in the years ahead

Again, to our international visitors, I wish you a productive and rewarding symposium.

Thank you.