Reception for Vice-Regal Patronage Organisations in Service, Business and Sport

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

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

Kaye and I are delighted to welcome to Government House today representatives of many of the 160 or so organisations of which Kaye and I are Patrons. 

Represented today are other organisations and institutions which are of the highest importance to Queenslanders’ physical, material and spiritual well-being, and to the security of our nation.  

My delight is tempered by sadness, as this is my last opportunity to welcome you here before my term as Governor comes to an end.  

Ideally, I would have liked to mention every organisation here today, but that might have tried even your patience.

Instead, Kaye and I hope to personally thank as many of you as possible following these brief remarks.

I will, however, risk a special mention of one group of organisations – those associated directly or indirectly with ANZAC Day, including the armed forces, and organisations that support ex-service personnel and their families.

I have always felt you looking over my shoulder – benevolently – when I carried out my duties on the 25^th of April every year.

Invariably, I have felt the weight of my responsibilities most acutely at the Dawn Service. And the knowledge that I had to get my speech ‘absolutely right’, to express faithfully the pride, sorrow and gratitude that Queenslanders feel most deeply on ANZAC Day.

Saying those carefully chosen words in the pre-dawn light, witnessing their effect on those present, has been an extraordinary privilege.

So too has receiving the wonderful support of all your organisations as I strove to carry out the promise, made at my swearing-in, to support, encourage and inspire all Queenslanders.

‘Support, encourage, and inspire’ – to which I would add ‘protect’ and ‘respect’ – are an excellent description of what you do every day, every week, every year, for Queenslanders.

To the best of our abilities – and stamina! – Kaye and I have sought to lend the weight and status of this vice-regal office to support and highlight your marvellous contributions to community. And to support and sometimes comfort Queenslanders through some very tough times.

We have been buoyed throughout by the respect, generosity and warmth with which you have always welcomed us.    

Please accept our heartfelt thanks for your many kindnesses to us. But even more so for the outstanding work you have done, and continue to do, for Queenslanders.

We extend our very best wishes to you and to those whom you represent, now and into the future. Thank you.