Luncheon for European Union Heads of Mission

Ambassadors, High Commissioners, as the personal representative of Queen Elizabeth the Second in the State of Queensland, I am greatly honoured, with Kaye, to welcome you to Government House today.

It is highly appropriate that this eminent group of plenipotentiaries gather in this grand estate which owes so much to trade.

It was built in 1865 by a German-born merchant, Johann Heussler. Mr Heussler emigrated to Australia at the age of 32 after he had earned his stripes as the London representative of a Dutch mercantile firm.

Although his fortunes waxed and waned here in Queensland, he earned recognition as Consul for the Netherlands and Consul for Germany, and as a member of the Queensland Parliament. 

Heussler’s enterprising spirit lives on at Government House, firstly through its other name, ‘Fernberg’, which means ‘distant mountain’ in his native German.

But there is also a rich tradition here of Queensland Governors and their spouse hosting guests of State importance.

Ambassadors, High Commissioners, thank you for honouring our State through your presence these past few days. It has been a busy program – visiting Bundaberg and the QIMR Berghofer research facility here in Brisbane, and meeting Queensland’s Trade Commissioners and finalists at the Premier’s Export Awards last night.

Our State is very proud of its trade credentials, as we are of the depth and reach of our business, trade, cultural and people-to-people links with the countries of the European Union.

Thank you for the important work you do strengthening those bonds.

I hope you leave with fond memories of your time in Queensland, and we look forward to welcoming you back! Please, enjoy the very best Queensland produce on offer today as a token of our gratitude.