Australian Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony D (1)

Representing the Premier and Minister for Veterans, Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, the Honourable Ann Leahy MP; Representing the Leader of the Opposition, Member for Lytton, Ms Joan Pease MP; Representing the Order of Australia Association, Queensland Branch, Mrs Lynda Barry OAM; 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 Fernberg to this Investiture Ceremony, which is one of seven such special events being held here this week.

As Governor, and 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 enjoy these uplifting occasions, which allow us to celebrate so many deserving individuals — people who represent the very best of who we are.

This morning we gather to celebrate the achievements of a group of remarkable Queenslanders and to applaud them for their contributions to our state and our nation.

At this point, I’ll make special mention of the Late Mrs Helen Gregory OAM, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her substantial and impactful contributions to the promotion of Queensland history. Throughout her distinguished career, Helen held key roles across many of Queensland’s leading heritage organisations.

Her deep knowledge and passion contributed greatly to historical scholarship and our love of history, and I offer my sincere condolences to her loved ones here today to accept her Medal.

Taken collectively, the citations for the recipients here this morning demonstrate the breadth of talent — as well as the depth of generosity and compassion — that exists across our state. Those appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia or as a Member of the Order of Australia have been recognised for their significant and enduring contributions across many aspects of our society — from health care, to industry and civic leadership.

In the health domain, recipients have had a significant impact in the areas of clinical psychology, traumatic stress, mental health or pharmaceutical medicine; generously sharing their expertise through teaching, and the publication of numerous research papers and articles.

Queensland industries and communities alike have benefited — including the beef cattle industry, horse sports, industrial relations and union sectors, the Jewish community and numerous multicultural advisory bodies.

Some recipients have been recognised for their long-standing civic leadership, including to the Queensland Parliament and local government; while others have been applauded for supporting philanthropic initiatives, community and sporting organisations, and cultural initiatives.

Those awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia have spent a lifetime serving the community in voluntary roles across the education sector, local history and heritage initiatives, as well as cultural, sporting and community organisations.

Some have served the Indian and multicultural communities, while others have been heavily involved with youth programs. Multiple organisations have benefited from their support including Rotary, Lions, Scouts, Men’s Sheds, St Vincent de Paul, and Meals on Wheels — to name but a few.

Despite the differences in your journeys that have led you here today, each of you has shown us what a huge difference you can make to the lives of others when you choose to lead and serve with good intent, purpose and commitment.

You have helped shape a more prosperous, dynamic and compassionate society and on behalf of all Queenslanders, I extend my sincere congratulations to you all on the honour bestowed upon you. I also acknowledge and thank your family, friends and colleagues who have supported you along the way.

When you leave here today, I hope you wear your medals with pride so your service does not go unnoticed but continues to inspire those around you.

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