The National Council of Women of Queensland's President's Lunch and Bursary Presentation

Mayor of Moreton Bay Regional Council, Councillor Peter Flannery; President of the National Council of Women of Queensland, Ms Chiou See Anderson and Management Committee; bursary partners and recipients; ladies and gentlemen.

I acknowledge the original custodians of the lands on which we gather and pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. My respects extend to all First Nations people here today, and it is lovely to see a number of bursaries specifically aimed at First Nations women.

Thank you for your warm welcome. This is the first opportunity I have had, as Governor and Patron, to acknowledge the valuable contribution the National Council of Women of Queensland makes to this State. 

I am also delighted to have the pleasure of celebrating the impressive achievements of the 35 recipients of 14th Annual Bursaries Program.

One of the great honours of being Governor is to accept Vice-Regal patronage from worthy organisations whose aim is to improve the lives of Queenslanders.

When it came to considering my patronage of the NCWQ, I simply had no hesitation.  Empowering women and families, and promoting the equal status of women, is vital for a healthy, balanced and safe community.

Throughout my life, both at work and at home, I have been privileged to have the guidance of female family members, friends and colleagues. This was, and continues to be, especially important when I am faced with life-changing and challenging decisions.

To provide more women with the chance of mentorship and further learning the NCWQ’s Bursary Program offers far-reaching opportunities which are transforming lives, and strengthening the role of women in Queensland.

As a former Doctor, and a subsequent career that has presented me with extraordinary opportunities, I wish to especially applaud the organisation for its commitment to supporting girls and women in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Women in the 21st century are fortunate. If we look back just a generation or two, many of our mothers and grandmothers did not have the freedom to choose their careers and life pathways as we do today.

However, while remarkable gains have been made, there is still much work to be done.

I therefore highly commend the Board, Bursary partners, members and supporters for their vision, dedication and generosity in championing so powerfully on behalf of the women of this State.

Finally, congratulations to all our bursary recipients. You have proved yourselves worthy of recognition through your exceptional qualities of leadership, perseverance and determination.

I encourage you to embrace the mentorship and education that lies ahead and never be afraid to challenge the status quo and bring about change that will enhance the lives of Queensland women.

It now gives me great pleasure to present a Certificate of Vice-Regal Patronage to your President, Ms Chiou See Anderson.