The Governor’s Patronage Celebratory Morning Tea and TRUE’s 50th Anniversary

True Relationships and Reproductive Health Board Chair, Ms Natalie Bain and Board Members; Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Karen Struthers; Founding Members; staff; supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I too, would like to begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respect to Elders, past, present, and emerging. I extend that respect to all First Nations people here with us today.

As Governor and proud Patron of True Relationships and Reproductive Health, I am honoured to be with you all today to celebrate a strong and resilient 50 years in our great State.

It was almost a year ago – a year, minus one day to be exact – that I attended your 50th Anniversary Celebration high tea, and now, one year into my term as Governor, I am pleased to be back with you all again!

It goes without saying of course, that I am truly passionate and proud of the life changing work the True has done and continues to do every day.

Over the past 50 years you have faced many obstacles and have come out stronger and ready to face the next 50 years with the same resilience and passion.

Your offerings are broad yet extremely specialised and it takes great commitment to succeed across so many facets. You not only drive change, you are the change, and for that you should be truly commended.

I am particularly in awe of the work you do in the educational space, another passion of mine. From younger children to teens and adults you are out in the community every day making a difference, having spoken to over fourteen-and-a-half thousand (14,500) students about healthy relationships in last financial year alone.

This does not discount, of course, the work you do in sexual health, counselling, child and family services, diversity, and multicultural health.

Now, I am reliably informed that True provided over 24,000 clinical services in the State last financial year and I am delighted to see you reaching some of the far corners of regional and remote Queensland.

I am told too, that you offered over 500 health sessions in migrant and refugee communities in various native languages – helping to bridge the gap between health, education, and language. Brava!

I am extremely honoured to be Patron of such a community-minded organisation, and I look forward, with you, to the future of True and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Thank you.