Australian Honours and Awards May Investiture Ceremony B

Representing the Premier and Minister for Veterans, Assistant Minister to the Premier for Cabinet and South West Queensland and Member for Toowoomba North, Mr Trevor Watts MP; Representing the Commander, HMAS Moreton, Commander Rowena Gaffney RAN; Representing the Commander, 1st (Australian) Division, Australian Army, Brigadier Shane Gabriel DSC AM; Commander, Combat Support Group, Royal Australian Air Force, Air Commodore Andrew McHugh CSM; Queensland State Emergency Service, Chief Officer Mark Armstrong CSC; RSL Queensland State President, Major General Stephen Day DSC AM; Representing the Order of Australia Association, Queensland Branch, Mrs Paula Penfold AM; 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.

As Governor, I am delighted to welcome you to to this Investiture Ceremony, one of several being held here this week. 

Today’s ceremony is usually, though not always, a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for our recipients, and it is also a very special occasion for the family members, friends and colleagues whom they have invited to attend. 

I, too, look forward to Investiture Ceremonies, when as the representative of our Head of State, His Majesty King Charles the Third, I am afforded the opportunity to acknowledge Queenslanders whose contributions have been recognised under our unique Australian Honours and Awards system. 

Several of the recipients we honour today are members of the Australian Defence Force, which this year has marked a number of significant milestones, including the 125th anniversaries of the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy, and the 105th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Queensland is home to thousands of men and women in uniform, and it is always a great privilege to be able to recognise exceptional conduct and achievement in their ranks, and of course the broader effort and expertise in our Defence Force, which helps to ensure peace, security and prosperity in our region.

To those ADF personnel we have recognised today, thank you, for your outstanding devotion to duty and your contributions to the overall reputation and the capabilities of the Australian Defence Force. 

A separate group of recipients recognised today have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for contributions to their communities over sustained periods of time – many, for their work improving veteran welfare, as former ADF personnel themselves.

Some of you have stayed connected to the Force, taking on active roles in local branches of the Returned and Services League, in Anzac Day and other military commemorations, or even advocating for the ongoing care of retired military working dogs and their handlers.

The Medal of the Order of Australia also honours service across many other areas of community life. Today’s examples of service are wide‑ranging, from leadership in local Chambers of Commerce and long‑standing involvement in community committees, to active roles in religious education and the oversight of school chaplaincy services, as well as leading disaster management, emergency response, and rural fire services. 

Many recipients share a love of sports administration from cricket, squash, yachting, rugby union, tennis, and bowls - to name but a few.

Each recipient’s story may differ; however, what they all share, is a deep commitment to serve others and to make a real difference to our society.

I know that the families and colleagues of recipients gathered here today are immensely proud of all you have achieved and I take this opportunity to thank them for the support they have shown you throughout your careers.

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

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank you for all you have done and continue to do, and congratulate you on the Honours you have received today.

Thank you.