Australian Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony A

Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner Craig Emery ASM; Representing Queensland Fire Department Commissioner, Acting Chief Fire Officer Matthew Bulow; Queensland State Emergency Service Acting Chief Officer Danny Baade; Representing the President, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Mr Stephen Barclay; Representing the Australian Bravery Association in Queensland, Mr Jon Klaebe; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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

I warmly welcome you to Government House and thank those who have travelled some distance to be with us for this afternoon’s special Investiture Ceremony.

In my five years as Governor of our amazing state, it has been a genuine privilege to present Australian Honours and Awards to close to 1,000 deserving Queenslanders, who come from all walks of life, and have pursued wonderfully diverse interests and careers.

Such variety underpins the strength of our awards system itself — which identifies and recognises individuals who are working hard (in our communities and in our public services) to improve the lives of others. But it also demonstrates that a cohesive, caring society requires the input and influence of many unique perspectives and contributions.

In joining this select group of Australians, every one of you has demonstrated — at the highest level — the qualities and attributes we value as a nation, and you have proved how all of us can — in some way — make a positive difference to the world we share.

This afternoon, we pay tribute to our impressive Order of Australia awardees, those being recognised for their extraordinary bravery, and loyal members of our nation’s Fire, Ambulance or Emergency Services.

You are each united by a deep sense of courage, a selfless drive to put the interests — even the lives — of others first, and I am struck by the degree of commonality in your endeavours, despite the obvious differences that define your achievements.

Today, we honour those who have advanced the fields of pharmaceutical science and medicine, or have enhanced health administration to better serve the public.

We applaud those who have contributed to the areas of public relations and communications, business and corporate governance, and the beauty and aesthetics industry; those who have helped communities through natural disasters; and those who have kept our beaches safer through lifesaving efforts. 

We recognise an individual who willingly stepped into a dangerous situation to help save another, with a powerful readiness to act in the moment, even if that meant putting her own life at risk.

And we celebrate the exceptional and lengthy service of those who ensure that when hazardous accidents, events and disasters occur, there are capable professionals on hand to assist us when we are at our most vulnerable — applying pre-hospital medical assistance, extinguishing fires that threaten lives and livelihoods, or responding to unpredictable incidents in our communities.

Many of you have applied your skills and expertise to places far beyond our shores; while your efforts are also expressed through commitment over many years; the way you take on multiple challenges; or seek to enhance processes and standards in your fields for the future. You are active leaders — not afraid to roll up your sleeves, even while you give direction to others, or act as their mentors.

And you are also not afraid to confront complex situations—and whether these are caused by life-threatening circumstances, or by setbacks in a research laboratory, they require innovative thinking, and the calm capability to solve a perplexing problem.

Quite simply, you are helping to make our nation kinder, fairer and more progressive — and there is no doubt that these positive impacts are felt in every corner of Queensland and beyond.

As role models, you are exemplars of what can be achieved with determination and dedication, but I am sure that the journeys you have made to be here today, have not necessarily been simple or clear… and at this point, I acknowledge the support of family and friends who have stood beside you along the way.

I know that as I approach the end of my term as Governor, I will miss the positivity and joy of celebrating people like yourselves, and I therefore encourage you to continue to wear your pins and decorations with pride, so that others may be inspired to strive.

On behalf His Majesty King Charles The Third in this state, and all Queenslanders, I extend to you my sincere gratitude and congratulate you on your truly remarkable achievements.

Please enjoy your time at Government House, and this chance to celebrate with your guests.