Morning Tea for Queenslanders with Disability Network’s Volunteers & Members

Director-General of Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, Ms Belinda Drew; Queensland Disability Network, Chair, Dr Talitha Kingsmill; Deputy Chair, Dr Sharon Boyce; CEO, Ms Michelle Moss; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

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

I am delighted to be with a group of people who are so committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities in our state, and welcome you all to Government House, on the eve of this year’s International Day of People with Disability. 

As Patron of Queenslanders with Disability Network, and other organisations represented here today, I am proud to endorse the transformative work you are each doing to build a much more effective community of support—one that takes into account the opinions and experiences of the individuals and families you serve. 

This year’s United Nations theme, Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress is powerful because it reminds us that inclusion benefits everyone—not just people with disabilities. 

By embracing differences and removing barriers to opportunity, we also unlock fresh perspectives that enrich our society.  

Achieving the vision set out in this year’s UN theme requires collaboration across services, government, business, and community, an approach at the heart of Queenslanders with Disability Network. 

Most importantly, it relies on the leadership and insight of people with disabilities themselves. QDN’s collaborative spirit has made it a powerful advocate for change, and I thank its Board, Executive and staff for building a more inclusive Queensland. 

Essential to QDN’s success, however, is the contribution of its members. 

These remarkable individuals, representing diverse disabilities, champion the ethos “nothing about us without us.” They ensure authentic voices are heard and that decisions reflect issues of real importance to people with disability. 

They include QDN’s Peer Leaders, Peer Mentors, Emerging Leaders, QDeNgage Consultants, and members of Peer Support Groups across Queensland—people whose passion and commitment make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Determined to develop their potential, they provide leadership and guidance, foster friendships that strengthen support networks, and help communities and workplaces appreciate the value of embracing difference.

With the support of carers, families, and allies, these volunteers have secured QDN’s role as a leading voice for people with disability.  

Today, I offer my profound gratitude to all members, supporters, and everyone here for helping to make Queensland a more inclusive and vibrant State.