Principal, Ms Tully, teachers, staff and students, good afternoon.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of these lands, the Koa People, as well as their Elders, past, present and emerging, and any First Nations teachers, students and community members here this morning.

I was delighted to be invited to join your Mayor, Councillor Gavin Baskett, for this visit to St Patrick’s School.

It’s an absolute delight to be here in Winton, which holds a special place in the history of Queensland.

Now I’m sure you already know your town is the birthplace of our nation’s unofficial anthem ‘Waltzing Matilda’, but did you know that first public performance at the North Gregory Hotel more than 128 years ago was in fact a special performance for the 8th Governor of Queensland, Lord Lamington.

Of course, we all remember his name because our favourite chocolatey cake, the lamington, was named after him!

And Queensland Governors have been visiting this beautiful part of our State ever since, and what a treat it is for me to be able to come and visit you all here at St Pat’s on my first official visit to Winton as the 27^th Governor of Queensland.

One of the best parts about being Governor is visiting Queenslanders where they live and connecting with so many different people – and schools are some of my very favourite places to visit.

I have the privilege of meeting the amazing teachers, staff and students like yourselves, and I am always so impressed! I particularly enjoy meeting the young people in our communities, because you demonstrate so much enthusiasm and energy.

Since arriving this afternoon, I can already see what a tight-knit community you have here at your school and the close relationships you enjoy.

And it’s within this beautiful environment of togetherness that your teachers are providing you with the most wonderful opportunities to learn, experience and grow.

I was particularly excited to read about your Coronation Day celebrations, led by your wonderful library team, with your own Coronation Ceremony, crown making, British tea party and parade!

Now I was extremely fortunate to attend the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey in London on behalf of all Queenslanders, but even I was looking at what fun you had, and wishing I could have been a part of it!

I’m sure you will all agree with me that you are lucky to have such wonderful teachers and staff here at St Pat’s who make your learning so much fun. I think we should all give them a big round of applause for all that that they do.

Thank you so much for welcoming me so warmly to your school, I’ve had a lovely afternoon meeting you all.