Sunday 31 August 2025

Representing the Premier, Member for Capalaba, Mr Russell Field MP; Representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Penny Wolff; Commander 7th Brigade, Brigadier Giles Cornelia DSM CSM; Commander, HMAS Moreton, Commander Rosemarie Apikotoa RAN; representing RAAF Base Amberley, Group Captain Dennis Tan; Consuls-General and Honorary Consuls from across the Commonwealth and beyond; representatives of the Queensland Police Service; Chair of The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship in Queensland, Mr William (Bill) Willcocks; Chair of The Order of Australia Association, Queensland Branch, Mrs Ronda Nix OAM; 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.

As Governor of Queensland and Patron of the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship in Queensland, I am delighted to welcome you to today’s festival, which we are delighted to support by opening the Government House estate today.

As you can see, today’s Festival for Commonwealth Friendship is more than a gathering. The event represents a vibrant celebration of unity, cultural diversity and community connections. It reflects the values that have guided the Victoria League for more than 120 years, as it fosters friendship and mutual understanding across the Commonwealth, including here in Queensland.

You’ll see many cultures represented here today – from fabulous Indian classical music to traditional Polish dancing, a Maltese community art display, fashion shows, demonstrations and much, much more. Not to mention the exquisite merchandise and delicious food available for sale as well!

I acknowledge and thank all of the participants and volunteers who have worked so hard to make this day special. A big thank you in particular to you and your team, Bill, for your superb efforts in pulling together today’s program of activities.

I also acknowledge members of the Consular Corps in Queensland and thank you for the important work you do, particularly in bridging and strengthening bilateral relationships to help to generate unity and stability between nations.

And I acknowledge the senior representatives from the Australian Defence Force and Queensland Police Service here today and pay my respects to the courageous and remarkable individuals who serve on the frontline to protect our state and nation and preserve peace.

In the spirit of friendship, Graeme and I warmly welcome all of you to Government House and hope you enjoy exploring many of the wonderful cultural activities on offer.

Chief Commissioner, Scouts Queensland, Mr Geoff Doo; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Samford and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

It is always a pleasure to return to Baden-Powell Park because it was here, three years ago this month, that I was formally sworn in as Queensland’s Chief Scout.

As the 17^th Governor of our State to be honoured in this way, I have been very pleased to continue that long tradition of support for the Scouting movement and for the important values it represents.

Earlier this year, I was thrilled to welcome the 10,000 Scouts who gathered in Maryborough for the 26^th Australian Jamboree, and I have had the pleasure of meeting many other Queensland Scouts and Scout leaders at events such as Agoonoree Camp, LEAP23, the opening of the new Indooroopilly Scout Den, and of course at the wonderful Gang Show, and at receptions I have hosted at Government House.

It was a particular pleasure, almost three years ago, to host the investiture of Chief Commissioner, Geoff Doo, and I take this opportunity to thank Geoff for his service since then and to congratulate him, on behalf of all of us here today, on his recent re-appointment as Chief Commissioner until the end of March 2029.

Geoff’s service as Chief Commissioner is just one example of the magnificent contribution made to Queensland by Scout leaders and senior Scouts – like those who have just received Silver Kangaroo Awards, the National President’s Award, or certificates as King’s Scouts or Baden-Powell Scouts – and I trust that, with your strong commitment to doing your best and helping others, many of you will go on to receive further honours and awards.

There is certainly a clear precedent for this because, over the past three decades, more than 60 Queenslanders have been honoured through the Australian system of honours and awards for their contribution to youth through the Scouting movement.

Collectively, those Order of Australia honours and Centenary Medals represent an exceptional record of service to Queensland, helping to promote the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development of young people and encouraging them to take a constructive place in society as responsible citizens of their communities and of our State and nation.

I warmly congratulate each of those who are receiving awards today. Success takes hard work and determination, but it also requires a commitment to the value of volunteering and an understanding that generously serving others––with no expectation of return––not only brings a deep sense of personal satisfaction, but is essential to sustaining our society.

You are all splendid examples of the values and principles that Lord Baden-Powell first put forward and which are now embodied in the Scouts Law and Promise.

I am proud to be your Chief Scout and once again congratulate you all on your achievement today and wish you well for your future in Scouting.