Reception in support of Reading Radio’s 40th anniversary

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner and Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner; Member for McConnel, the Honourable Grace Grace MP; Member for Cooper, Ms Jonty Bush MP; Federal Member for Brisbane, Ms Madonna Jarrett MP; Reading Radio Vice-President, Mr Rodney Banfield, Treasurer, Ms Meg Venning, your executive and staff; volunteers and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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 any First Nations people here this evening.

As Governor and Joint Patron, along with my husband Graeme, of Reading Radio, I am delighted to welcome you to Government House. We are pleased to have this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the profound contribution this organisation has made to Queensland over the past four decades.

From its humble beginnings some 40 years ago, Reading Radio has faithfully upheld its mission of ‘Empowerment through Information’ by ensuring that any Queenslander who wishes can access the same information and stories as any other.

Community broadcasting is at the heart of local communities. It plays a vital role in promoting a strong, healthy and diverse media landscape where a wide range of views and voices not only keep people informed, but act as a counter to the rise of misinformation and disinformation in our society.

As Queensland’s only service of its kind, Reading Radio has championed the information needs of people who cannot read printed material due to a range of factors, including vision impairment, age or literacy problems. In doing so, Reading Radio has become a trusted companion for thousands of listeners, offering news, entertainment and educational content that is essential to a well-informed and inclusive society.

This evening, we honour not only that mission, but the extraordinary community that has sustained it. As with many organisations in the not-for-profit sector, Reading Radio’s success is underpinned by its people, many of whom are with us this evening. The organisation is powered by its team of some 150 volunteers who, along with staff, Board members, sponsors and supporters, have collectively built and sustained this trusted service.

Tonight, I want to especially acknowledge Paul Price and Steve Sparrow who have been producing high quality programs for more than 20 years. Paul and Steve, your expertise, dedication and service is enormously valued and truly inspirational. I also acknowledge the leadership of the Board, and of Station Manager Chris Corcoran, for their stewardship, innovation and commitment.

Providing the service Reading Radio is not without its challenges. There are ongoing funding pressures, and a requirement to maintain modern equipment, generate revenue and reduce operating expenses. Add to this the need to attract and retain volunteers.

We know that funding, whether through government grants, donations, sponsorships or partnership arrangements, is vital to sustaining this service into the future––to keep the microphones on, the pages turning, and the voices flowing.

Reading Radio is more than a broadcaster. It enables all Queenslanders to connect to, and participate in, our cultural, political and social life, contributing immeasurably to their quality of life and wellbeing.

As Joint Patrons, Graeme and I thank all those involved in the Reading Radio community, and we congratulate you on your 40-plus years of service to Queensland.  More importantly, we wish you ongoing success into the future.

As an expression of our ongoing support, we would now like to present a Certificate of Patronage to your Vice-President, Mr Rodney Banfield.