Australian Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony B

Commander, 1st Division, Australian Army, Major General Ashley Collingburn AM DSM; Representing the Commander, Combat Support Group, Royal Australian Air Force, Group Captain Elizabeth Beston; Representing the Commanding Officer, HMAS Moreton, Commander Andrew Hawke RAN; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by also 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.

I am delighted to welcome you to Government House to this Investiture Ceremony, which is one of seven such special occasions being held here this week.

As the representative our Monarch King Charles The Third in Queensland, I have the great privilege of investing Queenslanders with Honours and Awards, and very much look forward to these formal ceremonies, which allow us to pay homage to so many deserving individuals.

Today we gather to celebrate a number of outstanding Queenslanders, many of whom are current or former members of the Australian Defence Force or Army Reserve, or civilians strongly connected to our veteran communities.

This year, these honours coincide with several major milestones for the ADF, including the 125^th anniversary of the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy; the 105^th anniversary of the Royal Australian Airforce; and the 75^th anniversary of National Service in Australia.

With Queensland home to thousands of men and women in uniform, I am proud to formally recognise the contributions of these individuals — whose combined efforts and expertise help to ensure peace, security and prosperity are maintained in our region.

Of today’s awardees with a military background — some have been recognised with the Conspicuous Service Cross for their outstanding devotion to duty in non-warlike operations, while others have been awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal. Others have been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia or presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia for their significant achievements.

Some of you have been Commanding Officers and maximised combat readiness; others have greatly bolstered operations by improving intelligence analysis, logistics or training; and some have enhanced the availability and capability Defence aircrafts and vessels.

Other awardees have strengthened the ADF’s international relationships through their work with the United Nations, by developing PNG’s military aviation capability, or training the Pacific Island Defence and Police Force.

As Patron of both the Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) and the Legacy Club of Brisbane, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge those recipients whose service has supported the wellbeing of veterans and their families, through leadership roles in either RSL sub-branches, Legacy or the National Servicemen’s Association.

This morning we have also acknowledged those awardees who have spent a lifetime of service supporting community and sporting organisations. Their passions have spanned a wide range of areas — from early childhood education or dentistry, to strong involvement with organisations such as Lions, the Endeavour Foundation (another of my patronage organisations) and Soroptimist International, among others.

Our state’s sporting clubs have greatly benefited, too, including  cricket, football, the AFL and surf lifesaving.

Each recipient’s contribution to our society has been unique, substantial and worthy of the recognition bestowed upon them today. Collectively, their enduring contributions have enriched our communities and strengthened our nation.

I know that the families and colleagues of recipients gathered here today are immensely proud of all you have achieved and I take this opportunity to thank them for the support they have shown you throughout your careers and endeavours. Today’s celebration is for them as well.

It is with immense gratitude that I extend my sincere congratulations on behalf of all Queenslanders to each of you on the honour you have received today. Thank you for the remarkable contributions you have made and continue to make.

When you leave here, I encourage you to wear your medals with pride so that your service does not go unnoticed and continues to inspire those around you.

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