Wednesday 9 August 2023

Queensland Showgirl Awards Committee Members; 2022 Showgirl Winner, Ms Sarah Rose and 2023 State Finalists; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

I am delighted to welcome you all to Government House this morning so we can celebrate the remarkable efforts of a group of inspirational young women—the 2023 State finalists in the Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards.

The Ekka offers fun, family time and a taste of country life for many city-bound visitors, however this important event is about so much more than the thrills of Sideshow Alley and stunt cars, the delights of show bags, and the thrill of proximity to some fairly intimidating livestock.

The Ekka reminds us all—particularly we city dwellers—how much regional areas contribute to our State, not just by producing the beautiful fresh food we eat, but through the enthusiasm, determination and passion of the country people who make Queensland so vibrant.

The ten finalists with us today may have come from very different regions, but each of you is united by a dedication to serving your communities.

Even though you are busy working or studying, or both, you have put yourselves forward to represent your local show societies and have shown such diligence and ability in this role that you have been selected—from hundreds of others—to represent your regional Sub Chambers in Brisbane this week.

Congratulations!

You are incredible ambassadors for your regions, but you are also powerful role models for other young women, showing them what can be achieved through hard work and courage.

And though sadly not all of you can be named the overall winner at the Celebration Dinner on Friday night, you should each be very proud of your admirable efforts, and what it reflects about you as individuals.

As Governor of Queensland and Patron of the RNA, I pay tribute to the Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards and Queensland Ag Shows, who for over four decades have supported this incredibly worthwhile initiative.

The opportunities you are providing these young women—to develop their skills and confidence—are helping to create our State’s future leaders.  

I also thank the many sponsors and donors whose generosity ensures these Awards continue to thrive, and who are therefore helping to secure the ongoing vitality of our regional agricultural shows.

I will soon have the honour of presenting the State Final sashes, but before then, I once again commend our ten finalists, hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding week of activities ahead, and wish you every success in your future endeavours.

Vice President, Southern Hemisphere Lyceum International, Dr Marilyn Mackinder; President, Australian Association Lyceum Clubs, Dr Agatha Van der Schaaf; President, Lyceum Club Brisbane, Mrs Cheryl Parkyn; Secretary, Lyceum Club Brisbane, Mrs Margaret Donges; Master of Ceremonies, Ms Anne Raymond; Author, Mrs Helen Gregory; Contributors of the book, Mr Dick Paten and Mrs Del Paten; Members; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

As Governor of Queensland and Patron of the Lyceum Club, I’m pleased to be able to attend your 104^th anniversary lunch.

An anniversary affords us the chance to not only cast an eye back over past achievements but also to contemplate future directions.

Of particular note in the program is the launch of The Literary Legacy of May Paten by guest speaker, historian, author, and broadcaster, Helen Gregory.

Mr and Mrs Dick and Del Paten, contributors to the book, are also here today, and I look forward to hearing from those involved in the launch.

The last time we caught up provided me with the opportunity to present a patronage certificate to you to acknowledge and celebrate the long and interesting story of your organisation.

It has served women well for many, many decades, and will no doubt continue to act as a social, educational and cultural channel for many more women going forward.

The foundations on which the Lyceum Club were established are just as solid today.

The values associated with life-long learning, the camaraderie of like minds, and the continuing emphasis on the value of the arts, the sciences, and of contemporary issues, will never grow out of date.

Determined to provide enriching life experiences for interested women, those founding members of the Lyceum Club worked hard to establish the club that has endured to present day.

They would be proud to know that the opportunities to support and learn from each other, and from those more expert in their fields, are still available.

The act of gathering to explore a topic or issue, and enabling personal growth and informed opinion, remain guiding principles for Lyceum Club members.

Congratulations to the Lyceum Club and its members for being such a generous and engaging organisation, which although having reached the grand age of 104 years still has the future firmly in its sights.

The continued success of the Club has taken the efforts of many, and I thank all those involved for their commitment and dedication.