Reception for the Grand Priory of Australia of the Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem National Chapter Participants

Ladies and gentlemen, it is Kaye’s and my great pleasure to welcome you all to Fernberg this evening, with a particular welcome to those of you who have travelled to Brisbane from interstate.    

As Queensland’s Governor, I am naturally pleased to welcome such a purposeful gathering as that of the National Chapter of the Grand Priory of Australia of the Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem. I was delighted when the Queensland Commandery requested that Kaye and I extend Government House hospitality to you all – we accepted with alacrity, and that is because, simply enough, we have unbounded respect for the altruism of each and every one of you.  

It is here in this grand hill-top estate that a proud succession of Queensland Governors, since 1910, have memorably acknowledged people who contribute to the advancement of our nation and State.

We are very pleased that you all tonight, in recognition of your contributions, become part of its heritage.

The Order of St Lazarus carries with it immense tradition.

And it is not empty tradition, it is tradition, many centuries old – going back to the 4th Century AD with the founding of the leper hospital by Saint Basil outside the North wall of Jerusalem.

Importantly, the principles upon which the Order was founded – Christian unity, alleviating the plight of the sick and poor, enabling people to live dignified lives – remain just as relevant today as they were those many centuries ago.  

I warmly congratulate the Order for maintaining contemporary relevance through this ongoing work. Here in Queensland, this extends to supporting many programs, among them the Mission to Seafarers, based at the Port of Brisbane and the Trinity Pantry in Fortitude Valley.

It really is wonderful to have you here tonight. The maintenance of our society, its development, the contentment of our people: they all depend not on institutions as such, but on their integral parts – really good people doing good deeds.

We wish you all a wonderful time here in Queensland as you consolidate and chart your continuing good works.