Tea4MD at Government House for Red Bow Awareness Month

Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland and Patron of Muscular Dystrophy Queensland, together with Professor Nimmo, hosted a special Morning Tea at Government House to mark Red Bow Awareness Month and celebrate the impact of the Red Bow Tea4MD initiative.

Billy and Eloise Rothfield, MDQ Ambassador

The Morning Tea brought together people living with neuromuscular conditions, their families, carers, supporters, donors and community leaders, providing an opportunity to recognise the collective effort behind Muscular Dystrophy Queensland’s vital work across the state. With approximately 8,000 Queenslanders living with neuromuscular conditions, the event highlighted the importance of community support in enabling MDQ to deliver comprehensive, wrap‑around services to clients and their families.

In her remarks, Her Excellency reflected on the role of compassion, generosity and collective action in supporting Queenslanders living with neuromuscular conditions. She acknowledged that Muscular Dystrophy Queensland’s ongoing ability to provide multidisciplinary care, information, advocacy and support is made possible through the continued commitment of donors, fundraisers, volunteers, allied health professionals and supporters across the community.

MDQ clients dressed to impress, proudly joining the Tea4MD celebrations during Red Bow Awareness Month.

Red Bow Awareness Month has once again demonstrated the power of community-driven fundraising. Her Excellency acknowledged several outstanding contributions made throughout the month, including a record‑breaking effort by Year 11 students from All Hallows’ School, who raised $25,813 in just two hours before school, exceeding their previous fundraising record by more than $7,000. Their achievement was recognised as a powerful example of youth leadership, compassion and community spirit.

Long‑standing supporters were also acknowledged, including Ray White Surfers Paradise, whose annual Gala Balls have raised more than $4 million since 1993. These efforts have played a significant role in supporting neuromuscular research and establishing a perpetual fund to benefit future generations of Queenslanders living with neuromuscular conditions.

Penny Deavin (CEO), Her Excellency, and Leona Luke (MDQ Director)

Her Excellency expressed her sincere thanks to the Muscular Dystrophy Queensland Board, staff, allied health professionals, volunteers, donors and fundraisers for their ongoing dedication to the organisation’s mission. She noted that their combined efforts have a tangible and lasting impact on individuals, families and communities across Queensland.

“The Red Bow campaign serves to remind us what we can achieve when compassion, community and determination come together with a single purpose,” Her Excellency said. “It speaks to the strength of this remarkable organisation and its commitment to empowering people with neuromuscular conditions to live the lives they choose, without limits.”

Peter Denham (MDQ’s first ever Executive Director) and his family 

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland extends its heartfelt thanks to Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM and Professor Nimmo for hosting the Tea4MD at Government House, and to all supporters who contributed to another successful Red Bow Awareness Month. Through continued community generosity and leadership at every level, MDQ can continue to support Queenslanders living with neuromuscular conditions today and into the future.