Queensland Council of Social Service 2025 Queensland Community Impact Awards and Celebration Dinner

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, the Honourable Pat Weir MP; Queensland Council of Social Service Board Chair, Adjunct Associate Professor Matt Gardiner and Directors of the Board; QCOSS CEO, Ms Aimee McVeigh; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

May I begin by thanking Tribal Experiences for their generous Welcome to Country, and by also acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and paying my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here tonight. 

As Governor of Queensland and the proud Patron of QCOSS, I am honoured to be among so many dedicated professionals here to mark the 2025 Queensland Community Impact Awards. 

Firstly, I want to acknowledge and congratulate the QCOSS team not only for its leadership in championing these magnificent awards, but also for its vital support of our community service sector. 

To those who work in community services – whether you are a frontline worker, Board member, human rights champion, equality advocate or volunteer – please know that your work matters deeply to all of us.  

As a peak body, QCOSS represents over 400 member organisations that collectively deliver vital services to ensure that every Queenslander is cared for, regardless of their background, identity or circumstance. 

For more than six decades, QCOSS has responded to many social challenges by taking a strategic approach to advocacy and policy reforms, promoting early interventions and innovative service responses, and by strengthening the sustainability of the community service sector to help it reach its potential. 

Today, the sector continues to respond to many social challenges – whether it is the rising cost of living, homelessness and housing affordability, domestic and family violence, mental health and disability services, discrimination, refugee support, gambling help or social isolation.  

We know your work can be challenging at times, and that the unprecedented demand for, and complexity of, services being sought can seem never-ending.

However, through your amazing efforts, you have touched the lives of so many Queenslanders for the better. You have endeavoured to bring hope, dignity and compassion to the disadvantaged when they need it most, and for that we are all truly grateful. 

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I extend my congratulations and gratitude to all who will be recognised tonight for the profound impact they have had in shaping a more inclusive and equitable Queensland. 

As Patron, I extend my deepest gratitude to QCOSS for the leadership it provides to the community service sector, which in turn has made positive and enduring impacts in our communities. 

I thank the Board, staff and members of QCOSS, as well as the generous sponsors and partner organisations who make these Awards – and so much community work – possible. 

It now gives me great pleasure to declare the 2025 Queensland Community Impact Awards officially open. I congratulate all finalists, and I look forward to celebrating your achievements tonight. 

Thank you.