Reception in Support of Foodbank Queensland 2026

Foodbank Queensland Chair, Mr Mike Hill; Co-Founder, Mr David Muir AM; Interim CEO, Mr Brett Kapernick; Director of Fundraising and Philanthropy, Ms Deborah Melloy; staff and volunteers; corporate partners; donors and supporters; 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 all First Nations people here today.

As proud Patron of Foodbank Queensland, I’m delighted to welcome you to Government House this evening to acknowledge the dedicated supporters of this worthy organisation: the generous donors, corporate partners, and volunteers who, with their energy and skills, bring hunger relief to those in need across the state.  

For over 30 years, Foodbank Queensland has been rescuing and distributing food to help ensure no one goes without and in that time has provided the equivalent of more than 400 million meals to Queenslanders. It’s an astonishing achievement. 

Behind that accomplishment — almost unimaginable in scale — lies a determined and hardworking network; people who use their capabilities, time and talents, to make this happen, every day. 

Among them, are those of you joining us here this evening, and I thank you sincerely for your important contribution. The multiple layers of assistance offered—whether through transport and logistics, philanthropy and corporate funding, food preparation and distribution — constitute an immense, ongoing task. Your work makes a tangible, positive difference, bringing sustenance and social connection to those who, quite simply, have not got enough to eat.

The decades that have seen Foodbank grow into Queensland’s — and indeed Australia’s — largest food relief organisation have been marked by both dedication and adaptation. 

This year has brought a new set of pressures, and, for the first time in its history, the organisation is experiencing a decline in food donations.

Rising costs, shifts in production, and the impact of extreme weather — including Tropical Cyclone Alfred — have all affected supply chains. At the same time, greater efficiencies in manufacturing and retail means there is less surplus food available to be redirected to those in need.

These challenges come at a time when demand for support continues to grow. More Queenslanders — many of whom never expected to need assistance — are reaching out for help. There are now nearly 480,000 households in our state experiencing hunger.

And yet, amid these growing pressures, Foodbank continues to respond with care and determination to ensure food relief reaches those who need it most; investing in vital programs and initiatives such as the expansion of the School Breakfast Program and strengthening disaster preparedness through the pre-positioning of supplies at dedicated relief hubs, so that support is both timely and far-reaching.

There is still much to do, but there is also great resolve. Foodbank’s simple promise says it best: “Tell us where you are, and we’ll find help.”

On behalf of a grateful state, thank you for all you do.