Legacy Gala Dinner

The 26th Governor-General of Australia, General The Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO MC (Retd) and Lady Lynne Cosgrove; Assistant Minister to the Premier on Matters of State and New Citizens, Leader of the House and Member for Moggill Dr Christian Rowan MP; Federal Member for Griffith, Ms Renee Coffey MP; Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC; Commander 1st Division of the Australian Army, Major General Ashley Collingburn AM DSM; Commander 11th Brigade, Brigadier Richard Peace; Commanding Officer HMAS Moreton, Commander Rosemarie Apikotoa RAN; Commanding Officer 23rd Squadron and SADFO RAAF Base Amberley, Wing Commander Tanya Evans CSM; Councillor for Central Ward, Councillor Vicki Howard; Legacy Brisbane President, Dr Annabel McGuire; CEO Mr Brendan Cox; Legacy House Campaign Patrons, Mr Tim Fairfax AC and Mrs Gina Fairfax AC, and Mr Ben James AM DSM and Mrs Fiona James; Legacy staff and Members; servicemen and women, past and present; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

I begin by also 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 tonight.   

As Joint Patrons of the Legacy Club of Brisbane, Graeme and I have been delighted to join you each year for this special night when the entire Legacy family comes together–the Australian Defence Force, elected representatives, corporate partners, donors, staff, volunteers and the community, all of you united in commitment to Legacy’s enduring vision of ensuring that no dependant of a veteran suffers financial or social disadvantage as a result of their loved one’s death or injury from service.  

In my long career in health, I developed a profound appreciation for the work that Legacy does, and for the incredibly generous spirit of service that drives everyone associated with the organisation.  

 That appreciation has only deepened in the four years since I was sworn in as Queensland’s 27th Governor.  

During this time, as Joint Patron of Legacy with Graeme, I have taken every opportunity to advocate for the work you do, and to lend my support to all of our Defence personnel, past and currently serving.  

My visit to Townsville in August for the Victory in the Pacific 80th Commemoration program was an immensely important opportunity to recognise the profound service and sacrifice of our veterans.  

It was a great privilege to attend events such as the Commemorative Service and Wreath Laying at the Anzac Park Cenotaph, the reenactment of the historic War is Over speech in the town centre, the Joint US-Australian Commemorative Service at Kissing Point, Jezzine Barracks, and a Civic Reception where I was able to meet several of our World War II veterans.  

These moments, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of Australia’s participation in the Second World War, were a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of those who served––and of the importance of organisations like this one, supporting their families and loved ones. 

Legacy Brisbane last year launched the inspirational Legacy House project in Greenslopes. Graeme and I proudly accepted the invitation to turn the first sod and we’ve been watching with great interest and growing excitement ever since as the fundraising total has climbed steadily towards its 9.2-million-dollar target.  

On behalf of Queenslanders, I thank and commend all corporate partners, private philanthropists and individual donors, many of them here tonight. 

Their generous support of Legacy and this annual fundraising event has not only helped preserve and promote the Legacy spirit but has made a very real difference to the lives of the thousands of widows and families in south-east Queensland who are in Legacy’s care.  

As Patrons, our hope is that all of you here tonight will be inspired by their example and demonstrate your support for this wonderful charity by purchasing large numbers of raffle tickets and doing your best to outbid your friends and colleagues in the live auction.  

  When Legacy House opens next year, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your generosity tonight has made a difference by helping Legacy to give veterans and their families a compassionate and cohesive model of care that will not only benefit the participating individuals but will help build a stronger, more resilient and caring society. 

  Thank you.