The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation Jacaranda Gala

Representing the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Assistant Minister to the Premier, Leader of the House and Member for Moggil, Dr Christian Rowan MP; Director-General, Queensland Health, Dr David Rosengren; Councillors; The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, Chair Mr Chris Morton and Directors of the Board, CEO, Mr Steve Francia; Ambassadors, Foundation staff 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.  

It is my pleasure, as Governor of Queensland, to join you here this evening to celebrate an institution that has done so much to support and promote the health and wellbeing of the people of this state.

When I was sworn in more than four years ago, I pledged to do what I could to support better health and wellbeing across our state.  

In practice, that has meant over visits to over 120 hospitals and health centres, from Coolangatta in the south through to Cloncurry in the west, up to Thursday Island in the north, and back along our coastline, hearing firsthand the experiences of health professionals, staff and patients.  

Through my many health-related patronages, I have also been well connected with organisations such as yours, which contributes to our knowledge and treatment of some of the most urgent health challenges of our time —  and heart disease, lung disease, mental health, and ageing are indeed among them.

Much of the research and development needed to tackle these challenges and support our health professionals comes from private or charitable endeavours.  

This includes partnerships such as yours with The Prince Charles Hospital — one of Australia’s leading cardiology hospitals and home to Queensland’s second busiest Emergency Departments — and with Caboolture Hospital.

Since its establishment 40 years ago, the Foundation has contributed more than $78 million to groundbreaking research, vital equipment and patient care initiatives at The Prince Charles Hospital and Caboolture Hospital — resources that have changed the face of healthcare in Queensland and beyond.

The Prince Charles Hospital can lay claim to having had a genuinely international impact. Its work in cardiac and respiratory medicine, heart transplantation, lung disease, and in the conditions that quietly affect so many Queensland families, is recognised around the world.  

This standing is reflected in the enduring patronage of His Majesty King Charles the Third, who has supported this Foundation since 1987 — a rare Royal nod of approval indeed.

Behind this reputation lies visionary and dedicated leadership, committed staff and volunteers, and consistent and generous support by a community that believes in the Foundation’s work.  

To the Foundation’s Board and leadership, and all who have contributed to its work — be it as donors, as researchers, as volunteers, and as supporters of The Common Good — this evening is a fitting tribute to what four decades of unwavering commitment looks like. The stories of people whose lives have been transformed by research supported through this Foundation are the truest measure of its impact.

Congratulations on 40 years. Enjoy the Gala and thank you.