Reception to mark the 125th anniversary of Moreton Bay College

The 25th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, 24th Governor of Queensland and Co-Patron of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO; Member for Lytton, Ms Joan Pease MP; Councillor for Doboy Ward, Councillor Lisa Atwood; The Moreton Bay Colleges’ Deputy Chair Mr Stuart Copeland and Members of the Board of Governors, Chair of The Moreton Bay Colleges’ Foundation, Ms Ruth Power; Moreton Bay College, Principal, Mrs Rebecca Lennon and members of the College Leadership Team,  staff, alumna, students and supporters of the College; distinguished guests.

I begin by also 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 tonight.

I am delighted to welcome you to Government House to celebrate the remarkable 125th anniversary of the Moreton Bay College.

This year seems to be an extraordinary year for major anniversaries – with your milestone coming at a time when we’re also marking the 125th anniversary of both the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy, and the 105th anniversary of the Royal Australian Airforce. And we’re about to celebrate another impressive milestone — the 150th anniversary of the EKKA!

Your anniversary celebrates the evolution of the Moreton Bay College from its modest beginnings in 1901 as a small boarding school at Wynnum to one of Brisbane’s leading independent girls’ schools today.

The Moreton Bay College — as it was later to become known — was established at the time of Federation in Australia. Queen Victoria was our Monarch followed closely by King Edward The Seventh.

Sir Edmund Barton was our Prime Minister, Lord Hopetoun our Governor-General, Lord Lamington our State’s Governor and Sir Robert Philip our State’s Premier.

Like our country, the College has overseen much transformation since 1901 yet it has remained true to its commitment to provide young women with an education that would expand their horizons and strengthen their character.

Over the decades it has continued to evolve and thrive — and today is a place which offers an holistic learning experience — grounded in a Christian faith — that promotes academic excellence, as well as artistic and sporting pursuits.

As the Patron of Health and Wellbeing Queensland, I also applaud the College’s Wellbeing for Learning strategy which encourages students to build positive relationships, care for their own wellbeing and approach life with curiosity and generosity.

For 125 years your institution has shaped generations of alumnae who have gone on to excel in fields as diverse as science, medicine, law, business, sport and the arts. Among the many inspiring examples is, of course, Dame Quentin, who graduated from the college in 1959 and went onto to hold many significant leadership roles including that of Queensland’s 24th Governor in 2003 and then as the country’s first female Governor-General in 2008.

Dame Quentin’s journey is a wonderful example of leadership, service and dedication to others.

This anniversary is a tribute to the College’s educators, past and present, whose dedication has helped shaped thousands of students’ lives, preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.

I acknowledge the Board of Governors and college staff — including your recently-appointed Principal, Mrs Rebecca Lennon,3 for your commitment to nurturing not only capable learners, but compassionate, well-rounded young women.

To the students of today: you are the next chapter in this school’s remarkable story. I hope you feel proud of the place you come from and are excited for the possibilities ahead.

May your futures be marked by the same spirit of excellence, courage and purpose that has defined the Moreton Bay College since its beginnings.