Reception to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Brisbane Fashion Festival

The 25th Governor-General of Australia and the 24th Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO; Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner; Lady Mayoress and Brisbane Fashion Festival Ambassador Mrs Nina Schrinner; Brisbane Fashion Festival Director, Mr Lindsay Bennett and Administration Director, Mr Bryce Williams; Festival supporters and staff; 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 today.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House this afternoon, to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Brisbane Fashion Festival. And what an incredible milestone this is!

Two decades ago, Lindsay Bennett and Bryce Williams took on the challenge of transforming Brisbane from what Wayne Cooper—unkindly, though perhaps not unfairly—called a “fashion backwater.”

Lindsay and Bryce put their hearts, souls and personal assets into building a fashion festival for our city that would showcase the very best of Queensland’s emerging creative design talents, alongside Australia’s biggest names in fashion—not just to delight and enthral, but to encourage consumers to make considered purchases and shop locally. 

Over the years, there have been challenges—stories that would make lesser individuals think twice about continuing—but these have been outweighed by incredible triumphs—stellar moments that have made history… such as in 2019, when this festival became the first in the world to have a dedicated segment for people with disability.

Since its humble beginning, the festival has featured more than 600 designers and it continues to provide a crucial platform to connect local designers and fashion retailers with an audience of potential customers.

It has also grown to become an expression of Queensland’s cultural identity, and of the remarkable capabilities, flair and entrepreneurial spirit of our local fashion industry.

I would venture to say that for many in our elegant, enterprising–– and often eclectic and enthusiastic––fashion community, it has become synonymous with Brisbane itself, as it seeks to incorporate the places that make our city so special.

This year will be no exception, as the festival opens with the first-ever parade to be held on our new Kangaroo Point Bridge. With our beautiful city as a backdrop, I am sure this will be an absolutely stunning event.

I am only disappointed that I won’t be able to attend, due to other commitments.

The entire 2025 program of events—on and off the runway—looks simply incredible, bringing a fusion of colours, styles, and experiences that will ensure our city once again leads the way into the Spring/Summer season—I know that a number of the events are already sold out, which is indicative of the Festival’s popularity.

Yet, all of this would not be possible without the involvement of each and every person here today—individuals who as designers, retailers, industry professionals, sponsors and partners—have been there since the beginning, and whose contributions have enabled this event to expand and thrive.

Through your valuable support—creatively, logistically and financially—and of course, with the enthusiastic assistance of volunteers—this Festival is a shining light in our city’s annual calendar.

So, as well as commending Lindsay and Bryce for their vision and dedication, I thank each of you, for being such passionate, energetic advocates for a vibrant future for fashion in our state.

And, to all the established and next generation designers here this afternoon, I wish you all the best, as your collections feature at this year’s Brisbane Fashion Festival.

Thank you.