Our Queensland stories connect us globally

This Queensland Day, across the UK and throughout Europe, I feel a growing sense of sensible, cautious optimism as we observe positive signs of the pandemic being managed and continue to follow government road maps and easing of restrictions.

After one of the toughest and arguably most isolating periods in world history, I’m sure we are all pleased to be physically connecting and re-connecting with fellow Queenslanders, friends of Queensland and our communities in the UK and Europe.

For more than 12 months now we have been learning to pivot to new ways of working and living, and have responded to a global pandemic and economic crisis in record time and scale. This has been admirable. But I think it is safe to say that being able to meet again for a hug with family and friends has re-affirmed the power and importance of relationships – which we have missed so dearly during this time.

Queenslanders contributing during the crisis

As my team and I at Trade and Investment Queensland’s Europe office have gone about our work, there have been wonderful stories of Queenslanders who have played their part here, demonstrating leadership, compassion, care and support during this global crisis.

I thank and applaud their commitment and service. I also recognise the contribution many international citizens have made to Queensland, particularly at this challenging time when many were away from their families or friends.

I believe it is that ability to connect despite great challenges, and to collaborate, cooperate and act with care that have demonstrated how well we are able to meet our toughest challenges.

Celebrating Queensland Day, 6 June

Queensland Day celebrates the day in 1859 that Queensland officially became its own state. Every Queensland Day is an opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate our state, its people and their contribution.

TIQ Europe traditionally holds a Queensland Day reception to bring together Queenslanders and friends of Queensland. Since arriving in London in 2017, I have always looked forward to this occasion, when we can bring together the large diaspora of Queenslanders residing in the region with our wonderful networks of strategic partners, businesses, investors and other friends who hold Queensland warmly in their hearts. We meet to share our Queensland stories and create new ones.

While we are not quite ready to host a large reception again, we will still celebrate our great state this year, albeit in a different way. We are delighted to have partnered with Queensland-founded business Crosstown, a delicious and award-winning omni-channel retailer in the UK, to share in the joy of meeting again over a quintessentially Australian flat-white. Crosstown was co-founded by JPThen, a Scottish-Australian who was raised in Queensland and whose family still lives there. We’ve also been celebrating this year’s theme – #myQLDstory – by inviting participants to share their Queensland stories throughout the week of 31 May to 6 June.

My team has also been profiling outstanding Queenslanders’ contributions internationally across business and the arts, and sharing with our international audiences the natural beauty and exciting experiences our state has to offer when we can invite you back soon. Follow us on Instagram or Twitter to observe some remarkable Queensland stories.

A proud time to be Queensland's representative in the UK and Europe

This will be my final Queensland Day in the UK as the Agent-General for Queensland and Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner for Europe.

In December, I will return home to Queensland after more than four very memorable years serving the state abroad. It has been an absolute privilege and honour to serve the people and government of Queensland.

During this period, I have been pleased and inspired to work with and support a wide range of Queensland exporters and witnessed brilliant innovators and business people who are determined to succeed globally. Queensland has a fantastic reputation across many vital sectors from natural resources, agriculture and tourism to innovative technologies in health, education, and space. I have also enjoyed working with leading global companies, high-quality investors and talented entrepreneurs who will help grow one of Australia’s and the Asia-Pacific’s fastest-growing regions.

At the same time, it has been wonderful to promote and support our thriving cultural and sporting sectors. Queensland’s enormous talents have well and truly landed on the world’s stage. In leading ballet schools, concert halls and cinemas, and at top-ranked fashion and art colleges and renowned galleries, Queenslanders are making their mark. We’re also a proud sporting state, and you will be hard placed not to find a Queenslander taking part on a professional sports field across Europe.

It is this richness of our state and the Queenslanders who bring their talents, hard work and determination that assures me there is plenty to look forward to in Queensland and its continued contribution to the international community.

This Queensland Day let us look to the spirit of connection, optimism and resilience that is ingrained in the Queensland way of life. Let us use it to inspire us to begin to safely connect and re-connect with each other – friends, families, colleagues and communities – as the world reopens and we forge new paths and new opportunities. Our Queensland stories are only just 162 years young.

Happy Queensland Day!