Afternoon tea and tour for the 2019 Ship for World Youth

Consul-General Tanaka; senior representatives from the Ship for World Youth; ladies and gentlemen.

Kaye and I are delighted to host you all here at Government House.

I begin this afternoon by offering my warmest congratulations to the outstanding group of young leaders who have been chosen to represent their country in the 2019 Ship for World Youth program.

I am proud to say the Australian delegation includes three very talented Queenslanders – Anna Parker, Tegan Brooks and Lachlan Ryan.

A key objective of the program is to move participants out of their comfort zones – to go above and beyond, to explore uncharted territory, and to simply make the most of every opportunity.

Much like the man who built this house, Johann Christian Heussler, who emigrated to Australia at the age of 32 after earning his stripes as the London representative of a Dutch mercantile firm.

Two years after his arrival in Australia, Mr Heussler moved from Melbourne to Brisbane, where he continued to make his fortune.

But in 1872, strong financial headwinds forced Mr Heussler and his family to sell this house.

They never gave up, and Mr Heussler’s ability to adjust his course and navigate towards new successes would earn him recognition as a founding member of the Queensland Club, Consul for the Netherlands, Consul for Germany, and as an Emigration Agent.

The young leaders joining us here today are showing the same pioneering spirit as Mr Heussler before them.

Ladies and gentlemen, by taking part in the Ship for World Youth program, you are not only broadening your own horizons, you are making important connections that strengthen the international community.

We are all very excited to see the Ship for World Youth making port of call in the Queensland capital of Brisbane.

As well as representing a great vote of confidence in Australia by the Japanese government, it allows participants to experience our magnificent city.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I wish you the very best in your endeavours, both with the Ship for World Youth program, and beyond.

Please enjoy today’s guided tour of Government House, on which you will embark shortly.

May you have a wonderful time.

Thank you.