Representing the Commander, 1st Division and Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, Australian Army, Brigadier Shane Gabriel DSC AM; Commander, Combat Support Group, Royal Australian Air Force, Air Commodore Robert Graham; representing the Order of Australia Association Queensland Branch, Deputy Chairman Dr Michael Davis AM ASM; families, friends and colleagues of the recipients; 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 this afternoon.
As Governor of Queensland, it is both my duty and immense privilege to award Australian medals and decorations to very deserving individuals, who have achieved at the highest levels, and who have demonstrated remarkable selflessness and dedication to benefit our society.
This year is the 50th anniversary of our country’s unique honours and awards system, which was established on February the 14th, 1975. This new independent and transparent system began with three honours, including the Order of Australia, but over the years has grown to encompass 60 different awards, including those given for exemplary service in our defence forces.
That our system has such a broad reach is powerful, because every honour bestowed encapsulates the ideals and standards we aspire to as a nation.
This afternoon we pay tribute to members of our military and a group of very accomplished civilians. While at a glance it would seem, these are two very different groups, in this instance you each share a very special quality. You are connected by the same drive to seek improvement for many, by demonstrating initiative, leadership and consistency in your own efforts.
Quite simply, you put the welfare and wellbeing others before your own.
For those in our defence forces, this public spirit is at the very heart of your pledge to serve.
At its most extreme, such service can result in injury or loss of life, as demonstrated so poignantly by the story of the Late Private Samuel Solonsch, who posthumously received the Commendation for Gallantry, for his brave and resourceful actions during the Second World War.
Those representing him today will be rightly proud of the legacy he has left, for in the face of unbelievable danger and the threat to his own mortality, Private Solonsch was determined to do all he could to secure freedom, not just for himself but for his fellow prisoners of war.
Whether your commitment involves seeing action overseas, such as this afternoon’s Distinguished Service Cross recipient, or working in non-warlike operations at home—as is the case with the Conspicuous Service Medal awardees—you are contributing to building the overall reputation and the capabilities of our defence forces.
In your diverse posts and roles, your efforts have an effect far broader than you might imagine.
Such outward-focussed leadership makes those around you feel more connected, which of course helps to increase morale, and promote better mental health—which are just as essential in our defence forces, as physical fitness.
Of course, your tremendous skills, abilities and knowledge across such a broad range of areas is allowing our Army, Navy and Air Force to develop and modernise, which means our country is better prepared to face any challenges ahead, whether they relate to security, disaster operations, or peacekeeping activities.
This also extends to those who have today become a Member of the Order of Australia in the military division.
It is through your exceptional service and application of expertise to improve the safety and wellbeing of others—with an emphasis on care and compassion—that our defence force personnel are becoming equipped to more effectively manage the inevitable difficulties of their responsibilities.
To the civilians who this afternoon received membership in the Order of Australia, the variations between your areas of focus, is proof that our honours system is functioning as it was intended.
One of the most notable and valuable aspects of our system is that nominations come from members of the community, and any Australian, regardless of age, ability, heritage or background can be put forward for consideration.
This means that as a nation we can acknowledge and commend the people around us who are having an incredibly positive impact on the lives of others, in so many ways, yet often remain unrecognised. They are the very definition of unsung heroes.
Today, Medals of the Order of Australia have been awarded to those involved in furthering the vitality and reach of sport in diverse fields; to helping our young people make safer decisions; to volunteering tirelessly in many different capacities for the good of others.
We recognise the efforts made to remember the veterans who sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan and to those still struggling as a result; and applaud the way one individual can have a massive impact on advancing health outcomes for First Nations people.
And we reflect on the incredible service of an amazing man who sadly passed away before he could receive his award, but who did so much to further the lives of older Australians.
I am so pleased Mr Johnson’s family could be here today, to accept this honour in his memory.
All these outstanding achievements exemplify what can be accomplished with the dual influences of kindness and enthusiasm.
I am delighted we can come together at Government House—which truly is a place for all Queenslanders—so we can share in the excitement and celebration of this special moment in your lives.
And I hope that you will continue to wear your pins and medals with pride, so that those around you can be inspired by your example. On behalf of all Queenslanders, and with my deepest gratitude, I thank you all for strengthening and enriching our country.
