Reception for the John James Foundation, Government House

[E&OE]

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. I acknowledge their continuing culture and contribution to this region.

I’ve said many times that we are blessed to live and work in such a lovely part of the country — from the Namadgi to the south, the Brindabellas to the west, the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee rivers — and I thank the traditional custodians for looking after, it generation after generation.

It is a real delight to welcome this special group to Government House.

Our purpose today is to celebrate the Foundation’s achievements and, in doing so, its people. And, as part of the launch of an Impact Report, to recommit ourselves to what lies ahead.

In three weeks’ time this room will be the scene of great joy. Investiture ceremonies will be held — my last as Governor-General as my term finishes mid-year.

Through this door will walk hundreds of people, over the course of the week. Each has made an outstanding contribution to our nation. Each deserves to be recognised. Many will work in health and education.

What we see during investitures week is a microcosm of what Linda and I have witnessed firsthand almost every day for the past nearly five years — good people.

We have visited workplaces, schools, homes and community gatherings.

On good days — like during investitures and at events like today’s. On tough days — during visits to disaster-affected communities.

Irrespective of the circumstances, Australians are a good, gritty, bright, well-intentioned people.

And, so, when I’m asked what’s your take on Australia, I say I am incredibly optimistic for our future.

Because of the quality of our people.

The John James Foundation sits fair and square in that future.

One of the things I love about the Foundation is that its people don’t stop once a goal has been reached. They move on to the next goal, and then the next one.

As this audience is aware, the big-ticket items in recent years have been the community infrastructure projects.

The John James Village respite accommodation facility — in partnership with the Leukaemia Foundation.

The AEIOU Centre, which I had the pleasure of opening in 2022 — in partnership with the AEIOU Foundation.

And a non-clinical respite facility for people living with life limiting illness — in partnership with Palliative Care ACT.

The facility at Garran is world class — because of the Foundation’s people.

Good, bright, well-intentioned and exceedingly generous people — all helping to strengthen health outcomes in the community; all striving to improve the patient and doctor experience in Canberra.

Today represents another step forward.

Shortly we will hear from Professor Paul Smith AM, Chair of the John James Foundation, who will launch an impact report that relates to the Village.

The report will be a valuable resource.

Knowing the health, social and economic impacts of the Village in providing support for people with leukaemia will not only increase awareness of the disease but shine a light on the amazing, life-changing work of the Foundation.

Again, it is great delight for Linda and me to welcome you to Yarralumla and spend time with you.

I express my heartfelt thanks for what you each do and commend you for the collective impact you make on the community.

You represent the tip of the iceberg — so, please, pass on our thanks to your respective teams.

Thank you, John James Foundation — for helping create a stronger, more inclusive community.

[Ends]