We are grateful for this message of support from the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honorable Paul de Jersey AC

“As COVID-19 continues its silent and invisible advance around the world, Kaye and I have been increasingly concerned about its impact on the activities and events which are such a vital part of everyday life for us all here in Queensland.

We need not have been concerned about Gold Coast Open House.

While this annual celebration cannot go ahead as originally planned, a global audience will be able to come to the Gold Coast via the upgraded Open House website. Kaye and I look forward to seeing the results of photo competitions, hearing student perspectives, and participating in architect-led armchair tours of houses and live-streamed tours.

In just six years, Open House has become a much-anticipated celebration of the rich and varied architectural history of the Gold Coast, and I commend the management team on their decision to change the scope and direction of the planned program rather than cancel it.

The original event required complex logistical planning to coordinate dozens of venues, hundreds of community volunteers, and thousands of residents and visitors.

Changing this into a virtual experience has been tantamount to turning around an ocean liner and has required a great deal of effort and imagination from the organising team as well as continued belief and commitment from the supporters and founding partners.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulate and thank them for this and wish them well as they begin planning for Open House 2021.”