2025 Investiture and Service Awards of the Order of St John

Representing the Premier of Queensland, Member for Redcliffe, Ms Kerri-Anne Dooley MP; Representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor for Taylor Ward, Councillor Penny Wolff; Member for Miller, the Honourable Mark Bailey MP; Member for Pine Rivers, Ms Nikki Boyd MP; Dean of Brisbane, St John’s Cathedral, The Very Reverend Dr Peter Catt; Grand Master, Freemasons Queensland, Most Worshipful Brother David Gray;  Members of The Order of St John, including Senior Order Member, Major General Professor John Pearn AO RFD; St John Queensland Board Chair, Mr Glen Morrison, Commissioner Ray Thurlow; CEO, Mr Peter Warrener ASM, President of Council, Mr Noel Gillard OAM; postulant and award recipients; invited guests. 

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning.  

As Governor, and Deputy Prior and Dame of Grace of the Order of St John in Queensland, I warmly welcome you to Government House for this Investiture ceremony. 

I am honoured to preside over today’s ceremony where we not only celebrate individual achievement, but also honour a collective spirit of service, compassion and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of others. 

Shortly, I will welcome a new Member to the Order, bestow a new Insignia on a redesignated Member, and acknowledge the outstanding efforts of St John Queensland volunteers and Youth Members who have served with distinction. 

I’m told a redesignation is quite a rare occurrence, and I particularly acknowledge the leadership and service of Ms Ann Demaine as a Dame of Justice of the Most Venerable Order – a prestigious accolade reserved for those whose leadership, service and integrity have had a transformational impact. 

Today is a special occasion as it also marks the centenary of St John’s Australian Youth Programs.  This is a remarkable milestone in the life of an organisation which has nurtured generations of young Australians, instilling in them the values of compassion, discipline and civic responsibility. 

I offer my congratulations to those young leaders here today who received awards in recognition of their service.  

Your dedication and achievements are a testament to the strength of these programs, which not only impart vital first aid training, but also provide valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills and deepen appreciation for the importance and value of community service. 

Today’s Investiture ceremony is a time-honoured ritual, rich in symbolism, celebrating the Order’s cardinal values and beatitudes which have endured for almost a millennium.  

As Deputy Prior and Dame of Grace of the Order, I once again congratulate those of you receiving honours and awards today.  

I also extend my gratitude on behalf of a grateful state, to all St John’s representatives here today, for your continued dedication to supporting the wellbeing and safety of communities across Queensland. Your service and commitment matters deeply to us all.  

I look forward to meeting many of you throughout this morning and hearing more about your achievements.  

Please enjoy this special occasion.