Australian Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony G

Representing the Premier of Queensland and Minister for Veterans, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Premier, Assistant Minister for Planning, Housing and Better Regulation and Member for Redlands Mrs Rebecca Young MP; Representing the Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Trade, Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Shadow Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games, Shadow Minister for Racing and Member for McConnel, The Honourable Grace Grace MP; Representing the Order of Australia Association, Queensland Branch, Mr Geoffrey Cowles OAM; President of the Queensland Band Association, Ms Annette Ries; Representing the President of Surf Life Saving Queensland, Mr Steve Barclay; recipients; your guests; ladies and gentlemen.  

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

A warm welcome to you all to Government House, as we come together to celebrate a group of truly remarkable people.  

You are here because your efforts and accomplishments have been recognised and appreciated, but more than that you have been singled out as worthy of special recognition – inclusion in our Order of Australia honours.

This is a distinction that matters, because by highlighting your achievements in this most public and celebrated of ways means you have made an impact, whether intended or not.  

You also embody the ideals we uphold and celebrate as a state and as a nation, demonstrated across a range of endeavours. The citations we have heard this morning, demonstrate the diversity, scope and reach of your accomplishments.

Today, we honour those who have made significant contributions to business, commerce and regional economic development, and those who have played a crucial role in furthering the outcomes of local government, or who have made life-saving impacts in other parts of the world.  

We commend those who have contributed, through their involvement in the areas of social welfare and mental health, the law, engineering, surf lifesaving, and horticulture, and those who have lent their expertise to further tertiary education, veterinary science, sport, music, visual arts and the media.

And we celebrate those who have worked within their communities to enhance their unique cultural attributes and advance the local initiatives that enrich these places and make them so vital.   

You have taken on many roles and worn many hats, in your professional lives, or on boards and committees, or with charitable, community and sporting organisations.

As educators, coaches, mentors and advocates you have helped build the capabilities of others, using your wisdom, aptitude and enthusiasm to promote a sense of belonging, and the importance of commitment.    

You have given your time, energy and financial support to further causes close to your hearts, here and much further afield.

And this dedication to serve others with generosity has had a ripple effect that makes our entire state and nation safer, fairer, smarter, and more dynamic.  

I am also sure that you have successfully made this journey, in many if not all cases, with the support of colleagues, friends and loved ones.

I thank them for offering their support and encouragement, which perhaps helped you to navigate challenges along the way, or simply provided great comfort when it was needed most.

At this point, I make special mention of the late Mr Cornelis Sliedrecht who received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Visual Arts. “Cees”¹, as he was affectionally known, brought his creative brilliance from the Netherlands to Queensland, as an artist and teacher, and I extend my condolences to his loved ones, who have accepted his award in his memory.

I am so grateful to know that we have such kind and competent people embedded in communities across our country, because the unity this generates, lays the foundations for a compassionate and caring future.

I encourage you to share your experiences with people you meet by wearing your pins and medals with pride.  

You will be helping to spread the message that exceptional accomplishment and effort should not go unnoticed.

As the representative of His Majesty King Charles III in this state, and on behalf of Queenslanders, I congratulate you once again.

Thank you and I hope you enjoy your time here at Government House.