Private Investiture Mrs Susan Elizabeth Skinner (OAM)

Mrs Susan Elizabeth Skinner OAM; your husband Ed; family and friends, and supporters.

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.

This afternoon, I am so pleased to be with you in person, to celebrate a very special Queenslander—Suzie Skinner—who has received a Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to youth with disability…and I thank the staff of the Mater Private for helping to organise my visit.

This award recognises—at the highest level—Suzie’s outstanding, committed dedication to serving others, and such public acknowledgement is important, because it brings her achievements to light, and allows us all to be inspired by her example.

Suzie’s story is built on a mother’s love and fuelled by a fierce tenacity to overcome challenges.

In 1995, when Suzie and Ed adopted their special-needs daughter, Kassidy, from Romania, the bureaucratic and legal hurdles they faced to bring her home ignited Suzie’s fighting spirit—and this same drive to improve outcomes for Kassidy at school and in life, began a quest that quickly encompassed a far wider charter.

Suzie’s passion and determination saw her become an advocate, not just for Kassidy, but for other young people with special needs, their parents and carers. 

Underpinned by her entrepreneurial mindset and creativity, Suzie built an extensive network of peers and experts, using her immense knowledge of the organisations, processes and resources within the system, to help others navigate complexities, and also to create ongoing positive links for the future.

Significantly, Suzie channelled her energetic leadership into improving opportunities for these young people to interact socially—a need that is felt even more intensely by those with intellectual disabilities who are so often excluded from activities available to people their own age.

Through her voluntary work within the school community, through Bust a Move Dance, the Endeavour Foundation, the dance program in the Special Olympics, and others, Suzie highlighted the importance of movement in providing freedom for self-expression, joy and a sense of belonging.

But, of course, it was the foundation of Clique Brisbane, in 2016, that saw Suzie’s aspirations truly be realised. 

This unique not-for-profit, with its high energy dance parties and inclusive social events—such as Burger Nights, annual Riverfire viewings, and outings to QPAC—gives special needs young people, aged 18-35, ways to develop friendships and confidence.

Every month the Geebung RSL is transformed into a safe, fun dance space, which delivers the beats, but even more valuably, puts smiles on faces.

I am told last month’s event was sold-out—with people coming from near and far—and it’s clear how fabulous it is for these young people to have the chance to be applauded for simply being themselves. Clique has grown into a vibrant community, one that it is treasured by the “Cliquers” who bust a move on the dancefloor, but also by their parents and carers who can share experiences and feel less alone themselves.

Of course, like so many others I meet who receive Honours under our unique national Awards system, standing beside Suzie is a large and diverse group of supporters and volunteers, who have tirelessly championed her dreams. 

I take this moment to acknowledge the substantial contributions of Suzie’s husband and fellow Director, Ed Skinner, along with Clique Director Claire Hepburn and friend Jeremy Wyer—both of whom also have loved ones with special needs—as well as Suzie’s family and friends. You have all helped to ensure Suzie’s vision continues to thrive, and I thank you for your involvement and conviction.

I believe Suzie has always been a person to take “the road less travelled”, and I, for one, am very grateful her path allowed her to express her imaginative ideas, and her enormous generosity for others.

As Governor, and as the representative of King Charles the Third in this state, congratulations Suzie for receiving this Honour, and for showing such remarkable grit and compassion—which will have a lasting beneficial influence on the lives of so many Queenslanders.