Wesley Mission Queensland’s celebration of Hummingbird House 10th Anniversary

Wesley Mission Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Ms Jude Emmer; Hummingbird House General Manager of Palliative Care Services, Ms Linda Ryan; Director of Care and Wellbeing, Ms Judy Beazley; Director, Paediatric Palliative Care Service, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Dr Anthony Herbert; Chief Executive Officer, Palliative Care Queensland, Ms Louise O’Neill; Hummingbird House staff and volunteers; parents, carers and children.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people who have joined us here today.

Good morning, everyone. Thank you for that warm welcome. It gives me great joy to be back at Hummingbird House on the occasion of its tenth anniversary, to celebrate this important milestone with staff, families, and supporters.

My own connection with Hummingbird House goes back to those early years of operation. As a former medical practitioner myself, I first visited this unique place in my capacity as Queensland’s Chief Health Officer.

Then, just months after having the honour of becoming the 27th Governor of our state, I was delighted to become Patron of Hummingbird House.

In the ensuing years, I have watched with great interest the development of this fine organisation and never failed to be impressed by its achievements.

I have called it ‘this unique place’ and ‘this fine organisation’ but in truth these descriptions do not do Hummingbird House full justice.

I’m aware that for many, for however long it’s needed, this place becomes a home, and a place of sanctuary, support, and relief.

Hummingbird House is a shining example of compassion and best-practice, and it has been my privilege to see it evolve over the past decade — to watch it expand, to stretch its wings beyond the four walls here; to provide, right across Queensland, assistance and expert guidance to families facing the most difficult time of their lives.

To the families here today, I offer my sincere respect and best wishes, and I look forward to meeting you and the children and young people shortly.

The health and wellbeing of Queenslanders has long been close to my heart, both personally and professionally.

At my swearing-in as Governor, I pledged to make health a key focus of my role — and in keeping with this I have travelled the length and breadth of the state, visiting every public hospital and speaking with thousands of Queenslanders about their lives.

During that time, I have constantly been reminded of something I have long known: that healthcare workers are extraordinary people. To those healthcare workers here today, on behalf of all Queenslanders, thank you for your dedication to what is often a difficult role.

Of course, this extends to all of you here today whose roles contribute to the wellbeing of the guests at Hummingbird House: the skilled chefs and housekeepers who provide comfort to families; talented creatives who inspire; kind volunteers; calm and competent administrators.

Together, you strive to welcome and support children and young people with life-limiting conditions—to make every moment precious for them, and for their families. Your united task is taken up with determination, joy, and deep compassion. I remain deeply inspired by all you do.

The hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world, and one of the most remarkable, especially in its dexterity. It is the only bird that can fly upside down, even backwards, adapting to its environment with astonishing skill.

Today, surrounded by symbols of that beautiful, magnificent creature, I congratulate you all on ten years of your own astonishing dexterity: finding a way to be present, helpful, and kind, to every family who needs you.

Most importantly, to the children and young people here today, and to your families, I hope Hummingbird House feels like your home whenever you are here — a place where you can be together, feel cared for, and share special time as a family.

Long may it continue.