On this day …
On Friday, in the morning, at Rydges South Bank, South Brisbane, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM officially opened the Order of Australia Association’s 38th National Annual Conference.
Following, at 1 William Street, Her Excellency presided over a special meeting of the Executive Council.
In the afternoon, at Government House, Her Excellency and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD hosted a Reception for World Haemophilia Day 2026 and the Governor addressed guests.
Haemophilia Foundation Queensland Executive Board Members, Mr Chris Fullelove, Mr Charles Eddy, Mrs Shannon Gracey, Mrs Lisa Bowdler, and Mrs Bernadette Stanton; HFQ Manager, Mrs Lauren Green; members; staff and supporters; distinguished guests.
I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.
Graeme and I warmly welcome you all to Government House this afternoon. As Patron of the Haemophilia Foundation Queensland, I am pleased we can meet on World Haemophilia Day and join the millions around the globe who are committed to finding a brighter future for people living with inherited and acquired bleeding disorders.
This year’s theme focuses on the vital importance of receiving an early, accurate diagnosis, as the crucial first step in delivering the right treatment, support and care.
While our country is recognised as a leader in this area of medicine, there are still significant improvements to be made—because, although 8,000 Australians have received a definitive diagnosis, there are many others who have not.
In particular, girls and women can face delays in diagnosis of bleeding disorders, and it is often the case that it is not until excessive or unexplained bleeding occurs during childbirth or surgery, that further exploration is triggered.
I am sure that the Haemophilia Foundation’s recent ‘Women Bleed Too’ survey will provide fascinating and useful insights that will highlight our strengths and weaknesses and help improve our national approach.
In regional, remote, and Indigenous communities, access to the specialised knowledge required to ensure appropriate testing and management can be challenging, which further complicates the problem4. And this is why the work of The Foundation, nationally, and here in Queensland, is so important.
I am proud to champion an organisation that is committed to improving the quality of life for its members and families—acting as a strong public voice, sharing stories of lived experiences to inform and enlighten others, and delivering an innovative array of programs and events.
Building understanding is an essential part of this process, because when people are better informed, they can more clearly discuss concerns about their own health with their medical practitioners.
Raising the profile of the Foundation’s important work also attracts additional financial assistance, which goes towards funding life-changing support programs, education resources, and research projects.
I know you all feel passionately about both the issues your community is facing, and the vital work being done by the HFQ5, and are excited about emerging cutting-edge treatments, including gene therapy—which is showing such promising early results in clinical trials.
Your support is absolutely vital to ensuring this positive momentum can continue, and on behalf of all Queenslanders, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone here today, who has generously contributed to advancing this objective.
I also acknowledge and thank the HFQ Board, management, staff and volunteers who every day devote their energies to enhancing life for others.
As landmarks around our state glow red—including here at Government House—we are reminded that, while there is still significant work to be done, the possibility of a permanent cure is ever more promising.
Thank you.
Former Northern Territory Administrator, and National President of the Order of Australia Association, the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO; National Chairman, Order of Australia Association, Major General Barry Nunn AO RFD ED (Rtd), Board Members and office holders, including the Nominated Directors of all States and Territories; Conference Convenor and Chair, Order of Australia Association Queensland Branch, Mrs Ronda Nix OAM; keynote speakers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you, Tribal Experiences, for providing such a warm Welcome to Country. I, too, begin by also 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 this morning.
I am honoured this morning to be among the company of so many other Australian honours recipients, whose diversity of achievements and outstanding contributions to our nation are both exceptional and inspirational.
It is wonderful to see so many of you have found time to attend the Association’s annual conference, which was last hosted by Queensland in 2017. It follows a wonderful year of celebratory engagements in 2025 to mark the golden anniversary of Australia’s unique system of honours and awards. It certainly gave me the opportunity to reflect on 50 years of contributions by exceptional Queenslanders to our nation.
As Governor of Queensland, each year I have the privilege of hosting several Investiture Ceremonies at which I present medals and pins to deserving Queensland recipients named in the Australia Day and King’s Birthday honours lists.
These ceremonies are held in their most traditional format at Government House in Brisbane, in a room filled with friends, family members, colleagues and distinguished invited guests, who then enjoy congratulations and catch-ups over refreshments on the lawn or in our elegant Drawing Room.
I have also regularly travelled to regional and even remote parts of the state–from Toowoomba to Townsville and Cairns, and even Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria–and conferred honours upon individuals who are widely respected and admired in their communities, with many members of those communities in attendance. These special ceremonies take place in sporting halls, art galleries, public libraries, and even at the bedsides of those who are no longer able to come to me.
No matter where they are held, and how many are in attendance, these are deeply significant, uplifting and inspirational occasions.
I take enormous pride in seeing so many remarkable individuals–from all walks of life and such diverse communities and fields of endeavour–being recognised for the immense contributions and positive impacts they make in our communities and across our State.
The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Bridge to the Future’. It encapsulates the spirit of the Association and our collective efforts to work together to build the future of the Order of Australia.
As Patron of the Order of Australia Association in this State, I commend the Association and its members for all the good work being done to promote and encourage high-quality nominations, so we can continue to recognise more worthy individuals.
However, this conference is more than an annual get-together. It is a moment to reaffirm why the Order of Australia matters and why our honours system remains a vital part of our national identity. This system reminds us that service, humility and dedication to others matters deeply, and that every Australian has the capacity to contribute to the greater good.
I thank all delegates, congratulate the Association, Council and organisers on an impressive program, and wish you all a fulfilling and enjoyable few days ahead.
Thank you.
