Morning Tea in support of Cancer Council Queensland's Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

Cancer Council Queensland, Chair, Mr Robert Gregg, Board Members, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Matt Gardiner; donors and benefactors and supporters; 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 morning.

It is such a pleasure for Graeme and me, as Joint Patrons of Cancer Council Queensland, to host one of Australia’s Biggest Morning Teas here at Government House. This is an important fundraising event for Cancer Council, and it is heartening to see so many morning teas being held across Queensland and Australia in support of the incredible work you do for those impacted by cancer.

With more than six decades of service to Queenslanders, your organisation continues to dedicate itself to realising its vision of a cancer-free future. For that, we offer our enduring appreciation – and deep admiration.

Research has always been at the heart of your efforts, enabling more Queenslanders not only to survive cancer but to understand the steps we can all take to reduce our risk. As a medical professional, I have long advocated for healthier lifestyles – and as Governor, I continue to champion this message across our diverse communities.

Of course, a diagnosis can turn a life upside down. So often, individuals and families turn to Cancer Council for information, reassurance and support. The strength of your programs, your partnerships and your people offers hope at a time when it is needed most.

But life-saving research and community support do not come without cost. In the past year alone, more than $11 million has been invested by Cancer Council Queensland into research and innovation – a remarkable achievement driven by your hard work and the generosity of Queenslanders.

So how does the humble morning tea feed into this bigger picture? As one of Cancer Council’s most beloved fundraising campaigns, it offers an enjoyable and meaningful way for communities to come together and contribute to this vital cause. Last year, more than 23,000 Queenslanders hosted a morning tea, raising over $16 million nationally.

This year, the goal is to go even further – and thanks to Queenslanders gathering over a cuppa with friends, every morning tea helps make that possible. Whether hosted in offices, schools, homes or halls – indoors or out – each Biggest Morning Tea shares the same purpose: raising funds to help save lives.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, thank you for the work you undertake in the fight against cancer. It is gratifying to be able to host a morning tea for you here at ‘our place’ and to play a small part in this very big fundraising effort.

Please enjoy a cuppa, a chat, and our Government House hospitality.