Australian Honours and Awards May Investiture Ceremony A

Queensland Fire Department Acting Commissioner John Cawcutt AFSM; Representing the Chief Officer, Queensland State Emergency Service, Mr Scott Revell CSM; Representing the Chair of the Order of Australia Association (Queensland), Dr Michael Davis AM ASM; Queensland President, Australian Bravery Association, Dr Sally Gregory; Deputy National President, Australian Bravery Association, Mr Michael Pearson BM APM; recipients, your guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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

I am pleased you could be with us this afternoon to receive your Australian Honours and Awards and thank those of you who have travelled some distance to be here.

Investiture ceremonies are highlights in the Vice-Regal calendar, because they bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds who are united by a drive to put others first.

These special occasions enable me, as Governor of this State, to express my gratitude on behalf of all Queenslanders, and such commendation is important, because it is our nation’s way of recognising and celebrating exceptional service—efforts that have gone over and above expectations, and have left a lasting beneficial impression.

It might seem that there is a very eclectic group here today, given the range of awards bestowed, but I am struck by a significant motivation that connects you all, and that is one of ensuring the safety of others—in situations as varied as on our roads, during natural disasters and substantial emergencies, in our neighbourhoods4, in public institutions, via our defence forces, and on our shooting ranges. 

Each of you has, in your own way, protected another person from harm, danger, injury or identified hazards, and you have implemented or upheld measures to reduce risk—which ultimately—indirectly or directly, has preserved lives. At the most extreme, it may have meant jeopardising your own life to save another—which is what defines those who today are receiving Meritorious awards as members of the Australian Fire, or Emergency Services, or Bravery honours as members of the general public. 

You have each demonstrated incredible courage, and the ability to make quick decisions, in environments where the stakes are enormously high. Many of you have gone through experiences that are not only confronting and treacherous, but perhaps even life-altering, and such gallant conduct—within our services, or as civilians—lies at the very heart of the selfless and caring society we strive for as a nation, and it is therefore worthy of our greatest respect.

Today’s Order of Australia recipients have also excelled in their specific areas—using their mastery and dedication to further the objectives of the organisations, associations and clubs they serve. 

From overseeing national and international road safety and engineering programs and initiatives, to operating at the highest levels in the sport of shooting—you have each shown noteworthy excellence in your positions of authority with involvement in myriad groups that both advance our thinking and consider the wellbeing of the wider community.

While, today’s Conspicuous Service Cross awardee has contributed to major reforms within our Air Force, to ensure our country employs high-calibre personnel who will strengthen our nation’s defence capabilities, and therefore, the security of us all.

Yet aside from this focus on safety, there are other distinguished qualities that connect you, including a profound sense of empathy which is proved by your actions. The understanding you bring to your roles and into your daily lives, is expressed by your desire to teach those who are less accomplished; to share knowledge; to encourage others; to volunteer; and to promote greater equality—all of which make our workplaces fairer, and our communities stronger.

In your own ways you have also displayed superb leadership, taking on the responsibility to guide and instruct, with a calmness and capability that is remarkable, particularly for those who have been thrust into that situation by circumstances.

In your working and personal lives, you have each revealed remarkable determination—never giving up, innovating for improvement, and taking calculated risks to achieve goals.

You are our nation’s doers, and the positive impacts of your achievements are felt in every corner of our State and far beyond. 

You are also our nation’s role models, showing us all what is possible with passion, hard work, resourcefulness and fortitude.

I therefore encourage you to wear your pins and decorations with pride, because the stories behind them, though diverse, are all incredibly inspirational.

Thank you all for your outstanding endeavours. 

I hope you enjoy this opportunity to celebrate your achievements.