Reception for Guide Dogs Queensland’s 65th Anniversary

Good evening. I am addressing you all here in the Drawing Room, which is an elegant space with 20th-century décor used to receive official visitors and host receptions here at Government House. It is adorned with grand chandeliers on the ceiling, and artwork on the walls depicting different perspectives of Queensland, many on loan from Queensland Art Galley - Gallery of Modern Art. I am standing behind a lectern with the Tudor Crown on the front, signifying the Vice-Regal office of the Governor of Queensland and my role as the representative of our Head of State, His Majesty King Charles III. I am looking out at close to 100 smiling faces, all here in support of the 65th Anniversary of Guide Dogs Queensland, and I would like to acknowledge some special guests, in particular… 

Councillor for Bracken Ridge, Councillor Sandy Landers; Guide Dogs Queensland President, Mr Richard Anderson OAM; Vice-President and Board Chair, Ms Leanne Muller and Directors of the Board; Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jock Beveridge; supporters and volunteers of Guide Dogs Queensland; distinguished guests. 

I also acknowledge 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 today. 

I am delighted to be here with all of you, to celebrate 65 incredible years of Guide Dogs Queensland as a leading force for good in our state. 

As Patron, I am immensely proud of the long and beneficial service the organisation has given to Queenslanders with low vision and blindness—delivering freedom, opportunity and joy, along with transformational practical support. 

Over these six-and-a-half decades, Guide Dogs Queensland has developed to include counselling, occupational therapy, and lifestyle programs, and, together with orientation, mobility and assistive technology services, and the beloved Guide Dogs, provides wholistic assistance that is connected with individual needs. 

Yet, you have always stayed true to your foundational goal—to empower those you serve—and that is why you have become one of our state’s most cherished and trusted not-for-profits. 

Today’s celebration is particularly timely, given we are in the middle of Queensland’s Disability Action Week, and heading towards the UN’s International Day of People with Disability, both of which highlight our shared commitment to making our society more progressive, and becoming richer and stronger as a result.   

Yet, of course, Guide Dogs Queensland would not have thrived across this long time-span if not for the generosity of all those who are so passionate about helping it achieve its objectives.  

This afternoon, while we pay tribute to all the Board members, Executive, staff, instructors, clients, volunteers, donors, partners, life members and supporters—past and present—we shine the light on three individuals who exemplify what true service and dedication to a cause means. 

In 1960, the community of Townsville, led by the Rotary Club of Mundingburra, sent Mr Hubert Morris to Western Australia to bring home our state’s first Guide Dog, and so began “Hubie’s” ongoing commitment to raising awareness, and much-needed funds.  

Dressed in his trademark white, he became known as “Mr Guide Dog”—and was instrumental in the establishment and growth of the organisation in this state. We warmly welcome his daughter, Mrs Yvonne Watkinson, to Government House as we honour this extraordinary, fearless man. 

We also pay tribute to the remarkable contributions of Mr Richard Anderson, who has recently retired from the Board after an amazing 40 years as a director, and 30 as President. Richard’s expertise, guidance and steady hand have helped steer the organisation through many phases, forging initiatives that have propelled it ahead. He was recently awarded the honorary title of Emeritus President in honour of his exceptional volunteer leadership, and we congratulate him warmly for all he has accomplished.  

And finally, we highlight the exemplary work of Mr Marc Lyell, who as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, last month completed 40 years of employment with Guide Dogs Queensland. Aside from his valuable impact in this state and nationally, earlier this year Marc was formally recognised for his contributions to advancing the guide dog sector internationally—receiving the prestigious Ken Lord Award—and this not only reflects his tremendous achievements, but also his commitment to education and innovation. 

I commend each of these inspirational individuals—as I also extend my gratitude to every single person here today—for helping Guide Dogs Queensland transform lives for a remarkable 65 years. 

I wish you every success in the years ahead. Thank you.