Vew from the chair: Speeches of Richard WL Austin

Those of you who were here last year may remember my complaint that I had spent a somewhat lonely evening, sitting at the far end of the high table, and wishing the while to be able to exercise that kind of legerdemain which we associate with the computer screen, where a straight line suddenly becomes a perfect circle, so that I might have had the pleasure of the company of Sir George Fisher, who was sitting, equally isolated, at the other end. I am thankful that my cri de coeur has been answered. Sir Bruce has said that this is the first time the Foundation's Annual Dinner has been held in the Gallery. In the past it was not held here because it was assumed that red wine would be spilled on, and would ruin, the parquet floor. Why this should have been assumed of such a civilised group as this I do not know, but there it was. In view of this ruling, when Mobil wanted to have a dinner here, they agreed to provide a carpet, which they would leave behind for future use. I thank them, in absentia, for such thoughtfulness. This Gallery 3 makes a marvellous setting for a dinner party and I thank all those from the Foundation and from the Gallery who have worked so hard to make it a success. Most importantly, Iwould like to thank those men and women who have made this evening's gathering possible-the donors-and I refer, not only to those who have just received their certificates of membership, but also to all those who, over the years, have made donations to the Gallery. As I have said before and will say again, the Gallery needs all the financial help it can get from the private sector of society. I am happy to say that, in this State, the private sector, over a broad spectrum, from the very rich to those of modest means, has responded magnificently. To all those men and women, the Gallery proffers its deepest thanks. Next I want to thank the channel through which so much of this money passes– the Art Gallery Foundation, under the inspiring leadership of Sir Bruce Watson, with guidance from the Foundation Council. This organisation has played an absolutely vital role in the development of the Gallery, and for this we are most grateful. One Corporate Member of the Foundation in particular which, by its sponsorship, has helped to make this Gallery the venue for this evening's dinner, is Coopers and Lybrand. To the Managing Partner of this distinguished firm, Mr Richard Anderson, I should like to convey the Gallery's sincerest gratitude. But having said all that about support from the private sector, Ido not forget the part played by the Government of Queensland. The private sector may put the gilt on the gingerbread, so to speak, but the Government is responsible for maintaining the bakery, and it has done that, over the years, with consistent and open-handed generosity, making us the envy of some other State Galleries not so fortunate. Furthermore, as the Minister has mentioned, the Government has recently changed the conditions under which the Foundation operates, to the benefit of both the Foundation and the Gallery. As the representative of the Government and the Premier, I should like to thank you, Minister, for your presence here this evening and for your thoughtful and encouraging words.' Next, I would like to thank the Chancellor of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, the Rev. Dr James Spence, for so willingly giving of his time to bless the meal served to us tonight. On a personal note, I thank him for. giving us a Latin benediction. It somehow serves to make worthwhile all those arduous hours we spent in our early youth learning that splendid and sonorous language. 120