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27th Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM

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  4. Morning Tea to Launch the Government House Publication “Birds of the Fernberg Estate”
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Morning Tea to Launch the Government House Publication “Birds of the Fernberg Estate”

Good morning. It is Kaye’s and my immense pleasure to welcome to Government House today a dynamic group of “birders” of varying enthusiasm, including, if I may be so presumptuous, a few “twitchers”!

We are very glad Mr Hosaka, the Consul-General of Japan in Queensland, and Mrs Hosaka, could join us today, as could representatives of some of the many organisations of which I am Patron, alongside others we presumed to have an active interest in the preservation, and the birds, of this estate.

Kaye and I are very glad the “Birds of the Fernberg Estate” publication came to fruition during our tenure, however it is very much a culmination of the meticulous observations, over many decades, of my 15 predecessor Governors who have resided here at Fernberg, and of their families and staff.

I know the current Office contingent certainly takes great pride in preserving the estate for the benefit of the many flora and fauna of this important remnant bushland sanctuary, including the 55 avian species outlined in this publication – even so for the Striated heron, the 55th inclusion, who, demonstrating an abysmal understanding of protocol, turned up on the estate, for the first time ever, the day the publication was due to go to print!

Although a modest publication, it is a valuable one. And I trust Queenslanders, and our State visitors, will enjoy exploring this peaceful reserve with this booklet in hand!

I once again thank Government House staff, particularly current Horticultural Coordinator, Mr Richard Symmonds and his team for their constant monitoring of Fernberg birdlife; Ms Judith Anderson; and Mr Eric Anderson, whose technical advice was both invaluable and freely given.

And thank you all for your enthusiasm.

Kaye and I are very glad you could join us here in the Pavilion where, as we are reminded on our regular perambulations around the estate, the ritual instruction of nature has this wonderful habit of reminding us of our place in the wider scheme of things!

Please, enjoy the hospitality as sign of our gratitude for the important work you all undertake.