QAGOMA Foundation Dinner

Federal Member for Griffith, Ms Renee Coffey MP; QAGOMA Foundation President, Ms Liz Pidgeon, and Committee Members; Chair, Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees, Mr Paul Taylor, and Board members; Director, QAGOMA, Mr Chris Saines CNZM; Gallery medallists; Foundation Members and their guests; donors and supporters; volunteers, distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

I thank Jason Ruska for his Welcome to Country.  

I, too, 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, and to any First Nations people here this evening. 

As Joint Patron of the QAGOMA Foundation, along with my husband Graeme, I am delighted to join you for this very special occasion.  

It is indeed a privilege to celebrate the enduring impact of the Foundation and the extraordinary generosity of its supporters. 

In his absence, I extend a special thanks to Tim Fairfax AC, who of course retired from his role as Foundation President in October this year, for his incalculable contribution to the arts in Queensland, which has shaped not only this institution, but the very cultural identity of our State. Tim’s visionary leadership of the QAGOMA Foundation and his enduring philanthropy have been transformative––continuing to inspire generations of artists and patrons alike. 

I warmly welcome Liz Pidgeon as the new President of the Foundation. Liz brings a wealth of experience and passion for the arts, and I know she will continue to build on the strong legacy of leadership and support that has defined the Foundation’s work. 

Queensland is culturally unique in Australia. From the vibrant visual arts scene to our dynamic mix of theatre, music, dance, and circus, we are home to an arts ecosystem that is the envy of other states. Our festivals and exhibitions, held year-round, reflect the creativity and energy that define Queensland’s artistic spirit. 

Our multicultural tapestry—particularly here in Brisbane, where nearly 30 per cent of residents were born overseas—brings remarkable depth to our arts sector. QAGOMA and its Foundation embody this spirit, championing inclusivity and artistic excellence at every turn. 

This commitment is woven into the very fabric of our city’s cultural life. Nowhere is this more evident than in the transformation of South Bank, which stands as a testament to Brisbane’s creative energy and vision. 

From Expo ’88 to today, South Bank has evolved into a place where imagination and opportunity meet—where Queenslanders can experience the finest in performing, visual, and cultural arts, thanks to the dedication of our world-class institutions. 

This remarkable journey reflects the foresight of our State’s leaders and the enduring enthusiasm of those who champion the arts.  

And, of course, none of this would have been possible without the generous financial support of donors. Philanthropy is the lifeblood of our cultural institutions, and tonight we celebrate the power of art to connect, inspire, and transform lives—made possible by your belief in its value. 

We honour not only the achievements of the Foundation, but the promise of what lies ahead.  

With the support of people like you, and the leadership of QAGOMA and the Foundation, we are ensuring that Queensland’s cultural legacy continues to shine—locally and globally. 

Thank you for your commitment to the arts, and for your belief in the power of creativity to transform lives.