On this day …
On Monday, in the morning, at C3 Church, Bridgeman Downs, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM attended the Guide Dogs Queensland Annual 2025 Graduation Ceremony, and the Governor presented awards and addressed guests.
In the afternoon, at Government House, Her Excellency and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD hosted a Reception for the Girl Guides Australia Queensland’s Annual Adult Awards Ceremony, and the Governor presented awards and addressed guests.
Girl Guides Queensland State Commissioner, Ms Susan Hayes; Immediate Past State Commissioner, Mrs Kathryn Pearson; Assistant State Commissioners, Ms Amanda Nicholls, Dr Natasha Montesalvo, and Mrs Cherelle Stager; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.
I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians 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 this afternoon.
The Girl Guides Queensland Annual Adult Awards Presentation is always a highlight of my official calendar, as Patron and as Governor, and I warmly welcome you to Government House again this year for this important event.
It is always such an honour to don the uniform that signifies this role, and it is a visual reminder to me and others of the work undertaken by Girl Guides Queensland on behalf of girls and young women in providing leadership and personal skills development programs.
Such active social engagement not only benefits your organisation, but so many other members of our communities across the state.
Under the banners of Fun, Friends, Adventure, Empowerment and Education, Girl Guides are given rich opportunities to grow—building confidence, forming lasting friendships, and making a positive difference in their own lives and the lives of others.
As we know, your membership and volunteer base are made up of truly extraordinary individuals.
This afternoon, we honour those who have achieved the highest standards set by the organisation, with 26 awards being presented in recognition of their exceptional contributions.
These awardees really have adopted the maxim of being the change in their world that Girl Guides Queensland strongly encourages.
Guiding makes a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of girls and young women, offering them a rich array of experiences—from outdoor adventures and STEM activities to the performing arts, community service, and the simple joy of making new friends.
In addition to their regular activities, Guides are given meaningful opportunities to demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and respect for those who came before them.
This is especially evident each year on Anzac Day, when Guides proudly take part in the parade—carrying their paddles, banners and flags in honour of those who gave so much for our country. I always look for them as the parade passes by, struck by their quiet sense of purpose and pride.
Guide numbers in Queensland remain strong, with nearly 3,000 Youth Members and close to 1,000 dedicated volunteer Leaders and Adult Members. This is a testament to the profound value the community places on your work and the inclusive, welcoming spirit of your organisation. Sincere thanks go to the committed volunteers whose passion and dedication bring the Girl Guides’ programs and initiatives to life.
Congratulations to those receiving awards this afternoon, and I look forward to presenting them to you. Thank you.
Guide Dogs Queensland President Mr Richard Anderson OAM; Members of the Board; staff; donors; volunteers; graduates and your family and friends; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.
I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians 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.
What a special occasion it is to gather here this morning to celebrate the 2025 Graduation Ceremony for Guide Dogs Queensland.
And I do hope that today feels just as momentous for our remarkable four-legged graduates, some of whom I am delighted to see here today. I suspect there will be an abundance of well-earned pats, treats, alongside the obvious pride and joy I see.
As Governor and Patron, it is my pleasure to be here and to publicly acknowledge the outstanding work undertaken by Guide Dogs Queensland in supporting those in our state who live with vision loss and blindness.
I deeply admire an organisation that, for 65 years, has transformed lives and communities through compassion, innovation and selfless commitment.
At the heart of your work lies a powerful mission: to empower people with low vision and blindness to achieve independence, participation, inclusion and wellbeing. It is a mission that has endured through decades of growth and change—an inspiring constant in an ever-changing world.
To all who have contributed to this journey—clients, volunteers, trainers, donors, and staff past and present—I offer my warmest congratulations. This milestone belongs to you all.
In marking 65 years of impact, it is only fitting to acknowledge the evolving landscape of services you provide. The expansion of your programs across the state, alongside your efforts to develop a national accreditation framework for Guide Dog Mobility Specialists, reflects an organisation deeply attuned to the importance of growth driven by expertise, strategic forethought, and a profound understanding of your clients’ needs.
Every guide dog trained, every partnership forged, speaks to what can be achieved when skill, generosity and love come together in service of others. The bond between a guide dog and their handler is profound. It is a partnership of trust, courage and companionship—one that opens doors to independence, confidence and connection.
These relationships do not come easily. They take time, patience, and a great deal of funding.
That more than 85 per cent of this funding comes from the community speaks volumes about the respect and support Guide Dogs Queensland commands across our state. Your advocacy and community engagement ensure that this essential work can continue.
Today, we celebrate achievement—of individuals, of dogs, and of an organisation that continues to make a lasting difference. A graduation is a milestone, yes—but more than that, it is a promise: a promise of new beginnings and futures made possible.
We are privileged to bear witness to the stories of transformation that have brought us here today—and to hear shortly from our guest speaker, whose lived experience will no doubt resonate deeply with us all.
As we prepare to mark International Guide Dog Day, let us carry these stories with us—as reminders of resilience, partnership and the extraordinary difference that one organisation can make.
