Morning Tea to Acknowledge the Support of the No. 33 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force

Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Sarah Stalker; members of 33 Squadron. It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to Government House this morning. 

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders. 

Thirty-three Squadron, proudly based in Queensland, has a distinguished history of service that began in World War Two. 

More recently it has specialised in air-to-air refuelling, serving in several conflict zones.  

But among the Squadron’s less warlike roles is providing aircraft and air crew for overseas visits by Australian Government VIPs.    

An opportunity arose this year for the Squadron’s Crew Attendants to keep current and build on the high level of hospitality skills required.   

We were therefore delighted to agree to the Squadron’s request for the redeployment of Crew Attendants here so that they could continue to maintain and build on those skill sets.   

Among other things, this was an opportunity to further enhance the close and long-standing relationship between Government House and the armed forces. 

Many Squadron personnel have since worked with our household staff here at Fernberg and will continue to work with us for some time yet. They have been involved in preparation for and service during formal dinners, investitures, and other events at Government House, all held in strict compliance with COVID protocols.

And Government House staff reciprocated by playing the role of VIPs for a 33 Squadron training ‘flight’ at the Squadron’s hangar at Brisbane Airport. They’ve never been the same since!

Though Government House sits high atop a ridge in suburban Brisbane, it cannot compete with the dizzy heights at which Squadron personnel so often operate. 

But both organisations have in common a strong commitment to professionalism, discretion, attention to detail and communication skills in providing the highest level of service for guests.  

We have been impressed, though not surprised, by the great professionalism of Crew Attendants as they adjusted to their new environment.   

On behalf of all at Government House, I thank the Squadron for ‘lending’ these personnel to us.  

I extend my thanks to all the individuals involved for the contributions you have made to the reputation of Government House’s hospitality. It has been a pleasure working with you. 

We hope your experience with us proves beneficial and memorable, both personally and professionally.

We wish you all the best in your future careers. 

This morning you are on the receiving end of our hospitality, so enjoy the experience! 

Thank you.