Official launch of the Lady Bowen Trust

Left to Right: Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology, Robert Schwarten; Chairman of the Lady Bowen Trust Board, Mr Darryl Seccombe; Her Excellency, the Governor of Queensland, Ms Quentin Bryce; Mission Australia Board Member, Mr Des Robinson; Premier and Minister for Trade, the Honourable Peter Beattie and Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Seniors and Youth, Warren Pitt in front of Roma House.

Her Excellency the Governor of Queensland, Ms Quentin Bryce AC officially launched the Lady Bowen Trust on 22 November 2006 at a function held at Roma House, a new inner city Brisbane shelter for homeless people.

The event was a joint celebration of the opening of Roma House and launch of the Trust which will provide practical assistance to homeless people who will be transitioning to more stable housing arrangements. Roma House clients will be the first beneficiaries of the Trust.

Premier Peter Beattie, Minister Robert Schwarten, Minister Warren Pitt and Mission Australia Board Member Mr Des Robinson also officiated at the morning event which was attended by leading local business executives and key stakeholders, and followed by refreshments and a tour of Roma House.

As Patron of the Lady Bowen Trust, Ms Bryce said she felt grateful for the opportunity to be part of the solution for homelessness in Queensland.

“Our potential for response through the Lady Bowen Trust will be realised when we come to see homelessness, not as a remote condition irrelevant and unconnected to our own enjoyment of life, but as a way of life experienced by many in our midst – our neighbours – and affecting the wellbeing of our communities,” she said.

The Governor accepts the Lady Bowen Trust commemorative history board from the Premier, on behalf of the Lady Bowen Trust. The board will hang in the foyer of Roma House.

“Inspired by and in honour of the compassionate and conscientious community work and advocacy of its namesake – Lady Diamantina Roma Bowen – the Trust opens a pathway for individuals and organisations to perpetuate her spirit of contribution; to give according to their unique capacities; and to exemplify their philanthropy to others,” Ms Bryce said.

The Governor’s complete speech can be viewed at the Government House website.