Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Morning Tea

Thank you, Ms Ryan.

Representing the Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Olympics, Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement, the Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.

I would also like to acknowledge the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and extend my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. I also extend my respects to any First Nations people here today.

I am so thrilled to be here with you all today, as the 27th Governor of Queensland, to recognise Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

As many of you know, Her Majesty is the first Australian Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service – an astounding achievement. For many Australians, she is the only monarch they have ever known.

In the fittingly named – Queensland – I have been immensely pleased and proud to see how many activities and celebrations are planned within our community to recognise this significant milestone, which is being celebrated this weekend right across the Commonwealth.

From tree plantings to morning teas such as this; street parties held in our suburbs, to welcoming thousands to Government House yesterday for our Platinum Jubilee Open Day, the diversity of festivities truly captures the Queensland spirit, and our admiration and gratitude for Her Majesty The Queen.

I was also delighted to hear of a special competition class at the Ekka this year for a ‘Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration Cake’, I am sure the QCWA ladies are already practicing their cake designs! While the competition, no doubt will be tough the winners can certainly say that they made a cake fit for not only a Queen, but fit for The Queen!

Another imaginative form of celebration, not only in Queensland, but across Australia is Jubilee lighting.

On the 6^th of February, to mark 70 years from the date of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne, Fernberg - along with other key landmarks - was illuminated with a royally appropriate shade of purple.

And again, this week, in celebration of The Queen’s Official Birthday and her Platinum Jubilee year Government House has been awash in that beautiful Royal purple once more.

I am happy to confirm also – in true Queensland spirit – the purple lights will change to a striking maroon tomorrow in celebration of Queensland Day - 163 years since Queensland became an independent colony.

Of course, Fernberg does not shy away from highlighting and celebrating our Sovereign. If you have ever been to Government House, for an event, or a free monthly public tour, you will have seen many portraits of Her Majesty. From Sir William Dargie’s famous wattle paining to Sir Herbert James Gunn’s magnificent Coronation portrait; and in the gardens, we are fortunate enough to have John Stuart Dowie’s marvellous life-size bronze sculpture.

Indeed, we have been lucky enough, in Queensland, to host Her Majesty eight times! With her first visit in 1954 as a young 27-year-old, and her most recent visit in 2011; her Majesty has made numerous tours to our State during her reign to perform important ceremonial and community duties, honour special achievements, and comfort and encourage Queenslanders in times of tragedy and loss.

I am thrilled that although our Queen is across the seas, we can celebrate such an important occasion, together.

Thank you to each and every one of you for coming out and celebrating with us today!