National Council of Women Queensland 2026 Bursary Presentations

Councillor for Central Ward, Councillor Vicki Howard; Councillor for the City of Moreton Bay, Councillor Cath Tonks; National Council of Women Queensland, President, Mrs Susan Smith, CEO and Head of Women’s College, Mrs Florence Kearney; Bursary Program Manager, Ms Kathy Cavanagh AM; bursary recipients; distinguished guests.

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 afternoon.

Thank you for that warm welcome. As Governor and Patron of the National Council of Women of Queensland, I am delighted to once again join you to celebrate the annual presentation of these bursaries.

For more than 120 years, the National Council of Women has been a strong voice advocating for the advancement and wellbeing of women and girls across a wide spectrum of issues, including championing the importance of education and economic independence. 

The Council has long understood that education is one of the most powerful tools for advancing equality and promoting a more inclusive society. 

Today’s ceremony continues that proud tradition of supporting women  –– regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances –– to pursue their studies, develop their skills, contribute to their communities, and secure brighter futures for themselves and their loved ones.

Offered since 2009, these bursaries have become a signature program for the Council, opening doors to tertiary education and economic independence for women and propelling them one step closer to achieving their dreams.

This year’s cohort of 36 new recipients will become part of a group of 461 Queensland women who’ve received one of these life-changing bursaries since the program was established. This is a wonderful achievement, and I offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has been involved in this important program.

While they come from a wide variety of backgrounds, the recipients all share a determination to succeed, sometimes in the face of their own personal hardships and challenges. During the ceremony this afternoon, we will hear about the diverse range of careers the recipients hope to embark on, as they complete their studies and seek to make a positive mark on our society.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I commend the National Council of Women of Queensland, its affiliate organisations and sponsors for generously supporting this bursary program. Your combined efforts are changing lives and making a real difference.

In particular, I acknowledge “Team Bursary,” led by Kathy Cavanagh AM, for its daunting — yet rewarding — work in administering and assessing the applications, and finalising the outcomes.

I commend the generosity of the program’s sponsors, many of whom are here today, including representatives of the three levels of government, affiliate organisations, companies, and individuals honouring loved ones. 

Thank you for investing in the recipients’ futures by supporting this program.

As Patron, I commend the Council’s Board, management committee and supporters for their enduring commitment to advocating for the advancement and wellbeing of women and girls in this State.

I also thank Women’s College for supporting the program and for providing this beautiful venue for today’s ceremony.

And finally, but importantly, I offer my sincere congratulations to the 2026 cohort of bursary recipients. These bursaries are both recognition of your hard work and encouragement for the journey ahead, as you complete your final studies.

Following the presentation ceremony, I look forward to meeting you and hearing more about your plans for what I am sure are incredibly bright futures. Thank you.