Mrs Shelia Geggan speech | CCRG 20 year anniversary dinner 18 July 2024 Queensland Parliament House

On Thursday night 18 July, more than 200 people gathered in the Premier's Hall at Queensland Parliament House to celebrate the Critical Care Research Group's 20-year anniversary.

The event was in part dedicated to the many teachers and mentors who have inspired CCRG’s work over the past 2 decades, including Professor Fraser’s high school biology teacher, Mrs Shelia Geggan, who travelled from Scotland for the event. Completely off the cuff, Mrs Geggan shared her memories of Prof Fraser as a high school student, and congratulated he and the entire CCRG on the difference their work and dedication has had on the patients of today and tomorrow.

The Honourable Shannon Fentiman MP, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women said, "Today we celebrate the scientific milestones and the incredible teamwork and resilience of clinicians, scientists, and engineers. Your relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation has made a profound impact on the health and well-being of countless people, both in Queensland and around the world.

"As we look to the future, I am confident that Queensland will continue to lead the way in medical research and innovation, ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and passion, and congratulations on this incredible achievement."

"I have had the privilege to witness CCRG’s trajectory from the early successes and challenges to its current status as a global leader in biomedical innovation and research, and I eagerly look forward to what the next era holds. Congratulations John and the entire CCRG on this incredible milestone. May the future hold many more triumphs," said Bernard Curran, Board Chair, Metro North Health.

"Through its accomplishments, the CCRG has positioned itself as a global leader in innovation and research and I am very proud that The Prince Charles Hospital has been able to support and contribute to its visionary work over the last two decades.

Congratulations to Professor John Fraser and the entire CCRG team on their extraordinary successes," said Tami Photinos, Executive Director, The Prince Charles Hospital.

CCRG wishes to thank the generous supporters who have made the celebration possible – Mr Trevor Lee, Mrs Keri Craig-Lee OAM, the KERI CRAIG EMPORIUM, and Australian Country Choice, Mrs Margot McKinney OAM and McKinney’s Jewellers, Mr John Bell-Allen and Aus-Care, Lendlease, Advara HeartCare, CardioVascular Clinics, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Dr Malcolm Davison, Dr Glen and Mrs Lisa Richards, Irvine Wines, and Mr John and Mrs Wendy Wade.