Morning Tea in support of Muscular Dystrophy Queensland’s Red Bow Awareness Month

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland Directors of the Board, Ms Leona Luke, Dr Cullen O’Gorman, Mr Glen Parsons and former Board Directors, including former Chair, Mr Victor Attwood; CEO, Ms Penny Deavin; Ambassadors, Ms Eloise Rothfield and Mrs Emma Weatherley, staff, supporters and clients; 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 this morning.

As Governor and Patron of Muscular Dystrophy Queensland, I am delighted to welcome you to Government House to celebrate the ongoing success of Red Bow Awareness month. It is wonderful to see so many of you here today to share in this occasion––from individuals living with the condition, to the many generous donors and supporters.

It speaks to the strength of this remarkable organisation which, over five decades, has become a trusted service provider, committed to empowering people with muscular dystrophy and similar neuromuscular conditions to live the lives they choose, without limits.

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland has also emerged as a trusted voice, working to heighten community awareness of, and support for, those individuals living with these rare and often debilitating conditions. The Red Bow campaign, while primarily a fundraising initiative, also serves to remind us of what we can achieve when compassion, community and determination come together with a single purpose––to improve the lives of some 8,000 Queenslanders living with muscular dystrophy and similar neuromuscular conditions that bring many challenges, as all of us here today well understand.

As a former medical professional and Chief Health Officer, I certainly appreciate the importance of providing people with access to personalised care and treatment programs, and practical support, so that they never feel alone or unsupported.

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland offers this wrap-around service to its clients, their families and carers––and thanks largely to the generosity of its philanthropic partners, donors and supporters, several of whom are here this morning.

While I pay tribute to all of the loyal donors and supporters whose collective commitments are making a real difference, I wish to draw attention to some remarkable individuals.

Having fundraised for Muscular Dystrophy Queensland for over 30 years, this year’s Year 11 students at All Hallows here in Brisbane broke their own fundraising targets, raising a record 26,000 dollars in two hours before school. Dressed in red tutus and matching bows, the students managed to extract these donations from generous city workers.

And Ray White Surfers Paradise, led by brothers Andrew and Greg Bell, has been hosting annual Gala Balls on the Gold Coast since 1993, raising over four-million-dollars in the process. Thanks to this amazing effort, over one-million-dollars now sits in a perpetual fund dedicated to future research. I note that Andrew Bell is here this morning, along with his daughter Chelsea Gates.

I am sure you join me in thanking Andrew and Greg, along with their event coordinator Selina Carson, for their incredible efforts and ongoing commitment.

I also acknowledge Victor Attwood, who stepped down as Board’s Chair last year after nine years in the role. Thank you, Victor, for providing leadership and much-needed support for this organisation since the 1980s!

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank the Board, management, staff, allied health professionals and volunteers at Muscular Dystrophy Queensland for their tireless work and ongoing commitment.

I wish you continued success with your fundraising efforts and thank you for what has been collectively achieved to date to ensure those individuals living with neuromuscular conditions can continue to live their best lives. 

Happy Red Bow month!