Morning Tea to support Cancer Council Queensland’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Cancer Council Queensland, Chair, Mr Robert Gregg, Directors of the Board and CEO, Mr Matt Gardiner; donors, benefactors and supporters; 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 Joint Patrons, Graeme and I are delighted to once again host one of Australia’s Biggest Morning Teas here at Government House to support the vital work of the Cancer Council Queensland. 

More than 17,500 people have registered to host one of these iconic fundraising events during May or June, in their homes, workplaces, schools or community halls. 

Wherever they gather to share a cup of tea and a chat, it will be with the same determination to contribute to a cause that touches so many lives. 

Last year’s campaign generated over $16 million nationally, with every dollar raised put towards efforts to tackle cancer, and I acknowledge the tremendous effort of Cancer Council Queensland, its supporters and volunteers to oversee the campaigns in our State. 

Cancer remains one of our most significant health challenges. Given the prevalence of this insidious disease, we likely all know someone who has been directly impacted by a cancer-related illness.  

I also wish to acknowledge that Government House has recently lost one of our own to cancer — my Official Secretary, Ms Yolande Yorke — whose presence we deeply miss and whose memory we cherish. 

It is also incredibly saddening, and also sobering, that half of all Australians will receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime.  

These statistics–your statistics–represent parents, partners, children, friends, and of course colleagues. They remind us why the vital work of organisations like the Cancer Council Queensland is so essential.  

For more than six decades, the Council has offered impacted Queenslanders hope and reassurance at every stage of their cancer diagnosis. 

Funds raised by the Council continue to support world‑class medical research and clinical trials, including projects here in Queensland that are improving early detection, developing new treatments and increasing survival rates.  

Research shows that one in three cancers are preventable and many can be cured if detected early and treated effectively.

As a former medical professional myself, I commend the Council for its advocacy initiatives to encourage Queenslanders to reduce their cancer risks by participating in screening programs and making healthier lifestyle choices.  

However, while cancer survival rates across the general population continue to improve, this unfortunately is not always the case for Indigenous Australians nor for those living in regional areas or disadvantaged communities, or people living with a disability, whose cancer incident and mortality rates remain disproportionately high. I commend the Council for its strategic approach in advocating for improved outcomes for these particular groups. 

To the many Queenslanders living with cancer, your stories help inspire the Cancer Council Queensland and our world-leading scientists and medical researchers to continue to strive for a cancer-free world. 

On behalf of Queenslanders, I thank the Cancer Council Queensland for its tireless leadership and advocacy which has strengthened our state’s response to cancer. I especially thank the Council’s dedicated leadership team, staff, volunteers and supporters — as well as those generous Queenslanders who are also hosting or attending one of these events.  

Together, we can make a difference — one morning tea at a time.