Australian Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony F

Representing the Premier of Queensland and Minister for Veterans, Member for Southport, Mr Robert Molhoek MP; Representing the Queensland Fire Department Commissioner, Acting Deputy Chief Officer Joel Gordon; Representing the Queensland Ambulance Commissioner, Acting Assistant Commissioner Kym Meredith; Representing the Order of Australia Association, Queensland Branch, Mrs Rhonda Weston AM; recipients, your 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 today.

As Governor of Queensland, I warmly welcome you as we formally recognise and celebrate a group of remarkable individuals for their outstanding and distinguished service and achievements.

As the representative of our Head of State, King Charles the Third, in Queensland, I have the great privilege of investing Queenslanders with Australian Honours and Awards, and very much look forward to ceremonies like these, which occur on this scale only twice a year.

Today’s ceremony is a very special occasion for our award recipients, their families, friends and colleagues, and I thank those of you who have travelled some distance to be here today.

I would also like to thank those attending in honour of loved ones who are no longer with us, including the late Ms Leith Boully AM and the late Mrs Joy Ransley-Smith OAM. I express my sincere condolences to you and hope you cherish the memory of this day, having accepted the awards on their behalf.

Today, we have honoured individuals who have devoted significant service to conservation and the environment, and to medicine –– particularly in women’s health, exercise medicine, cancer research, and veterinary surgical oncology.

Across other fields, we’ve recognised distinguished contributions in the energy and water sectors, in architecture and heritage conservation, and in the arts, ballet, media, philanthropy, and astronomy.

Many among you have provided a lifetime of service to your local communities –– from Maryborough, Landsborough and the Gold Coast to the Taiwanese community of Brisbane, or further afield, through charitable outreach in Vietnam, Cambodia and beyond.

 Equally, we acknowledge those whose decades of service to volunteer organisations have strengthened the fabric of our society –– from rural fire services and marine rescue, to Lions, Rotary, and the Country Women’s Association, to name a few.

 While your stories and accomplishments may differ, you are each united by a deep commitment to serving others and sharing your expertise and knowledge. Collectively, your enduring contributions have enriched our communities and strengthened our nation.

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

 To today’s recipients, please know that the honours bestowed upon you today are a respected symbol of our nation’s gratitude. You represent the best of who we are and have truly earned your place among our country’s most outstanding citizens. 

 I encourage you to wear your medals with pride, so that Queenslanders can aspire to achieve great heights, help the people around them where possible, and be part of something greater than themselves. Perhaps they will seek to talk to you about how they, too, can contribute.

 On behalf of all Queenslanders, I extend my congratulations and deepest gratitude to each of you for all you have contributed. Be certain that you have made a remarkable difference.

Please enjoy your time at Government House, and this well-deserved opportunity to celebrate your achievements.