Launch of the Jenny Woodward ABC/Queensland Country Women’s Association 2026 Weather Calendar

Ms Jenny Woodward OAM; Queensland Country Women’s Association members; 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 today.

Thank you, Jenny, for your kind introduction, and for inviting Graeme and me to be here this afternoon to launch the very special Queensland weather calendar that bears your name.

This fabulous initiative, now in its 4^th year, showcases the various moods of the skies over diverse locations in our state, while raising valuable funds for the iconic Queensland Country Women’s Association—of which I am proud Patron.

Yet, it could be said that Jenny herself is something of an icon, having presented ABC’s Brisbane’s prime-time weather since 1986, and earning her celebrity status as our nation’s longest serving weather presenter.

Through good times and bad—from cyclonic, flooding rains, to devastating droughts, and everything in between—Jenny, in her role as a “professional sky watcher” delivers her forecasts with immense expertise, reason and compassion.

But of course, she is not just the person on whom so many of us rely for our weather; she is also a dedicated ambassador for the people of Queensland, using her public profile for good in so many ways.

Whether it is through her charitable work, through public speaking, or broadcasting live from the Ekka while feeding a pig, her unflappable nature encourages a tremendous sense of connection between people.

I am so pleased that funds from this calendar go to the Queensland Country Women’s Association—an organisation built on friendship between women in regional, rural and remote locations, and which for more than 100 years has enhanced communities statewide, by harnessing the enormous capabilities of its members to drive positive change.

At the same time as being a champion for women and the issues that most affect them, the QCWA encourages self-improvement, and its environment of care gives members opportunities to try new things, develop skills and knowledge, and meet other women in their local community.

This is exceedingly important for building greater health and wellbeing—not just among the women directly involved, but much more broadly.

And so, I hope that Queenslanders will flock to the Ekka’s QCWA Cafe, or hop online quick-smart to purchase this stunning calendar!

Of course, the calendar would not exist at all without the amazing images within its pages, and so I must commend all of the talented ABC audience-photographers—including Graeme—for the spectacular visions you have taken that truly encapsulate the beauty, power and diverse nature of Queensland’s weather.

You should be very proud of your creative work, which for a whole year, will hang in pride of place in households right across our State.

Congratulations to everyone involved, and it now gives me great delight to officially launch the 2026 Jenny Woodward ABC/QCWA Calendar.

Thank you.