Cairns Investiture Ceremony 2026

Representing the Premier and Minister for Veterans, Mrs Bree James MP; Mayor, Cairns Regional Council, Councillor Amy Eden; Commander, 3rd Armoured Brigade, Australian Army, Brigadier Ben McLennan CSC and Bar; Commanding Officer, HMAS Cairns, Commander Andrew Thorpe RAN; Regional Convenor for North Queensland, The Order of Australia Association, Mr John Hardy OAM; Representing the Australian Bravery Association Queensland, Mr David Raymond BM APM; recipients and your guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

I would also like to begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we are gathered, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. 

As Governor of Queensland, I am delighted to welcome you to this Investiture Ceremony to honour this group of remarkable Queenslanders for their outstanding and distinguished service and achievements, which have enriched our communities and strengthened our nation. 

As the representative our Monarch, King Charles The Third in Queensland, I have the great privilege of investing Queenslanders with such Honours and Awards under our country’s unique Honours system. 

While the vast majority of Investiture Ceremonies such as this are held at Government House in Brisbane, I am also very pleased to have the opportunity to bestow these honours throughout Queensland, celebrating recipients in their communities and among people most dear to them.  

I know that many of you have travelled some distances to be here this afternoon, from Bamaga to Bowen and places in between, and it’s wonderful that you could join us. 

Through the reading of the citations, we have heard diverse stories of high-level accomplishments as well as examples of incredible acts of bravery. These examples remind us of the extraordinary diversity of talent and dedication that flourishes across our state, and the lengths people go to in helping to make life better for others. 

At this point I would like to make special mention of the Late Mr Dennis Howe OAM who posthumously received a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the agricultural industry and to the community. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr Howe held many leadership roles in the agricultural sector, including the banana and peanut industries.  

He was a well-known and well-liked stalwart in his local community and I extend condolences to his loved ones and former colleagues here today. 

This afternoon we noted incredible acts of bravery involving the traumatic rescue of a woman from a burning house fire. The men receiving the Group Bravery Citations today did not seek recognition nor did they pause to weigh up the risks and consequences to their own personal safety. Yet they acted quickly because someone needed help, and for that I offer my humble appreciation and thanks. 

I also wish to acknowledge Mr Raymond, who joins us today as an official guest, but who attended this incident as a serving police officer, having himself previously been recognised for bravery in two separate incidents. It is especially meaningful that the woman rescued from the house fire, Ms Jenelle Reghenzani, is also with us today. 

Her life was saved in large part through Mr Raymond’s actions and of course, the courage of those being honoured this afternoon. 

The Australian Defence Force personnel receiving medals today represent the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy, both of which are this year celebrating 125 years of devoted service to our nation. Today we are honoured to recognise a number of outstanding individuals whose collective efforts and expertise are vital to the operational success and resilience of the ADF.  

We heard that one member was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for commanding Taskforces in the Middle East, and three others were awarded Conspicuous Service Medals for supporting the Defence Force’s capability and readiness through strategic workforce management, or the expert management and maintenance of ships and armoured vehicles.  

Other honourees here today have been recognised for outstanding leadership and commitment to the training, safety, health and wellbeing of defence personnel; for distinguished public sector careers marked by steady leadership in complex and challenging environments; and for sustained service to wildlife conservation and wet tropics management, foster care, local government and local communities. 

Each recipient’s story may differ, however what they all share in common is a deep commitment to serve others and to improve the world around us. Collectively, their enduring contributions have enriched our communities and strengthened our nation. 

To our recipients: please know that the Honour bestowed upon you today is 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 know that your families and colleagues here today are immensely proud of all you have achieved and I take this opportunity to also thank them for the support they have shown you. Today’s celebration is for them as well. 

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I extend my sincere congratulations and deepest gratitude to each of you. Thank you for the remarkable contributions you have made and continue to make.  

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