National Volunteer Week Afternoon Tea

Good afternoon all,

I would like to of course begin as I always do, and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respect to Elders, past, present, and emerging.

Firstly, I am so glad to have this opportunity to catch up and thank you after what I think we can all agree has been a busy few weeks, even by my standards!

I feel incredibly grateful to have attended the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6.

To me, it meant the opportunity to represent Queenslanders on the world stage, and to ensure we played a part in one of the great ceremonial occasions of our time.

It also came at a cost, and that was my absence here at home on what was undoubtedly one of the most festive and successful Government House events of my term as Governor.

I mean, I missed out on a front-row seat to our very own air show!

I also know that behind the scenes, all the staff, Honorary Aide-de-Camps and volunteers here at Fernberg were working at maximum speed and capacity to make it all come together.

So today is my opportunity to thank ALL of you, whether you were here on the day or part of the lead-up, or wind down, I want to acknowledge and thank you for your hard work and professionalism in bringing the event together.

And to think that was only the beginning of what has become quite a momentous month for all of us.

We’ve had a dance card full of engagements, from the Regional Parliament in Cairns, tours of schools and hospitals, several receptions and various commemorative services and dinners.

Then, this week, we had five Investiture Ceremonies at which we presented over one-hundred Queenslanders with Australian Honours and Awards.

Not only that, but we made them feel welcome and special from the moment they walked through our gates to the moment they left.

This owes much to the efforts of our Government House volunteers and the Honourable ADCs who attend our ceremonial events.

Not only do you cut a fine figure in your uniforms, but you lend a sense of formality and occasion that simply cannot be achieved otherwise.

It is fitting that during National Volunteer Week, whose theme this year is ‘The Change Makers’, I can acknowledge the huge difference our volunteers make.

Our formal-but-friendly, five-star service and hospitality, meanwhile, is the kind that creates lasting fond memories.

Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for your professionalism, perseverance, teamwork and talent. It’s a relief knowing that my role is so well supported and a joy to be part of these events as they roll out, knowing something of the enormous energy and effort given each day to make them run so smoothly.

On behalf of Graeme and myself, thank you for all that you do.