Investiture Ceremony, Thursday 11 September, 2pm

The Legacy Club of Brisbane President, Dr Annabel McGuire; Representing the President, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Ms Louise Sturgess; Chair of The Order of Australia Association, Queensland Branch, Mrs Ronda Nix OAM; Australian Honours and Awards recipients, your family and friends; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.

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

I am delighted to welcome you all to Government House to celebrate the outstanding efforts of our remarkable Australian Honours recipients. This year marks the 50^th anniversary of our country’s unique Honours and Awards system, and it is important that, as a nation, we make the effort to formally recognise those who have achieved at the highest levels.

In doing so, we remind our communities that outstanding contribution and service to others not only exists but deserves to be recognised and celebrated.

At this point, I wish to especially acknowledge the deeds and accomplishments of the Medal of the Order of Australia recipients who are sadly no longer with us, and who today are represented by people close to them. I extend my deepest sympathies for your loss, and trust that this special Investiture Ceremony brings a deep sense of pride in their remarkable legacy.

The citations we have heard this afternoon demonstrate the diversity of talent and capability hard at work in our communities, and it is the differences between you—in your backgrounds and life experiences—that define the strength of our awards system.  But your citations also reveal a commonality—that is a profound motivation to encourage greater wellbeing in others.

The World Health Organisation describes wellbeing as a “positive state” and a “resource for daily life”, where individuals and societies thrive, experience resilience, positive relationships, and the ability to cope with challenges. As a health professional, this is a subject that is very close to my heart.

Each one of you has contributed to improving wellbeing in your own special way, and through your actions and your successes, is ensuring that its positive effect reaches deeply into our communities.

Today we honour athletes and coaches who have represented our country at the highest level in international events, and who not only demonstrate immense dedication to excellence but are champions for their disciplines, and the benefits that come with mind and body fitness.

We recognise those who appreciate and support the value of individual or team sports, and physical activities as a means to break down barriers, encourage social inclusion and a sense of teamwork, and to motivate people in their communities towards positive and more healthy living.

We acknowledge those who assist veterans in our communities—and ensure that our ex-service personnel, and their families, are given the practical and emotional support they need to remain connected and find meaning and purpose in their lives.

And we applaud the efforts of those who are working hard with not-for-profit organisations in a variety of key roles, or as volunteers—with their efforts saving lives or helping to shape a better future for the vulnerable, disadvantaged and isolated people in our communities.

Of course, there is significant overlap between each of these, with some of you wearing many hats and holding other awards and commendations for your endeavours.

Regardless of what brought you here today, you are obviously all energetic, passionate and committed individuals who, through your expertise, knowledge and experience, are helping to drive the overall benefits of wellbeing much more broadly and inclusively.   

There is no doubt that you are the ‘doers’ our communities need to flourish, and this effect enhances our entire state, so when you leave here today, I hope you will continue to wear your pins and medals with pride.

As Governor of Queensland, I commend you on your contributions and for being such inspirational role models, and I hope you enjoy your time at Government House.

Thank you all.