Australian Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony D

President of the Institute of Public Administration Australia Queensland, Mr Samay Zhouand; Chair of the Order of Australia Association, Queensland Branch, Mrs Ronda Nix OAM; Protect All Children Today (PACT) Chair, Ms Melanie Mayne-Wilson; Vice-President of the Royal Queensland Art Society and President of the Brisbane Branch, Mrs Margaret Thomas; Chair of Basketball Queensland, Ms Fiona Allen; awardees, your family and friends; distinguished 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 of Queensland I am delighted to welcome you to Government House to this Investiture Ceremony, which is one of several being held here this week.  

As the representative of our Monarch King Charles III in Queensland, I have the ceremonial privilege of investing Queenslanders with Honours and Awards.  

This Investiture Ceremony is a very special occasion for our award recipients, their families and colleagues, and I am delighted that you could join us to celebrate their achievements. 

Formal occasions like this are incredibly important: they allow us to take a moment from our busy lives to recognise and honour remarkable Queenslanders for their outstanding and enduring contributions, which have enriched our communities and strengthened our nation. 

Today, we gather to pay homage to individuals whose outstanding and distinguished achievements reflect the very best of who we are.  

As I reflect on the breadth of accomplishments represented in this room, I am reminded of the extraordinary diversity of talent that flourishes across our State.  

The recipients’ extensive array of significant accomplishments is, in every sense, a smorgasbord of dedication and excellence across many fields of endeavour. This includes leadership roles in the health sector, education, public administration, agricultural industry and a wide range of community services, at the local, national and international levels. 

These Honours are not bestowed lightly. They are the outcome of years of dedication and persistence of capable individuals who have been willing to step forward, carry the weight of responsibility and make a difference to the world around us. 

Each recipient has juggled multiple roles, whether it be in sporting endeavours, supporting the community as a Councillors or serving the Chinese community, to name a few.  

You have each taken a different, and yet fulfilling, journey which has brought you to Government House today.  What unites you, however, are the defining characteristics of resilience, ingenuity, a willingness to share knowledge and expertise, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.  

Whether your work has unfolded in bustling cities in Australia and overseas, or in our regional centres and remote communities, your impact has been felt widely and deeply. All of you have given something of yourselves to shape the world around us and to make life better for others 

I know that the families and colleagues of recipients gathered here today are immensely proud of all you have accomplished. However no one reaches these high levels of achievement alone. 

Every milestone reached, every challenge overcome, and every contribution made is strengthened by the encouragement and understanding of those who walk alongside us.  I take this opportunity to thank your family members and colleagues for the support they have shown you throughout your careers. Today’s celebration is for them as well. 

To our recipients: please know that the Honour bestowed upon you today is a respected symbol of our nation’s gratitude. You have truly earned your place among our country’s most outstanding citizens. 

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to each of you on the Honour you have received today. Thank you for the remarkable contributions you have made and continue to make. 

I hope you wear your medals with pride to inspire those around you. 

Please enjoy your time at Government House.