Official Opening, Order of Australia Association Annual Conference

Former Northern Territory Administrator, and National President of the Order of Australia Association, the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO; National Chairman, Order of Australia Association, Major General Barry Nunn AO RFD ED (Rtd), Board Members and office holders, including the Nominated Directors of all States and Territories; Conference Convenor and Chair, Order of Australia Association Queensland Branch, Mrs Ronda Nix OAM; keynote speakers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

Thank you, Tribal Experiences, for providing such a warm Welcome to Country. I, too, begin by also 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 any First Nations people here this morning.  

I am honoured this morning to be among the company of so many other Australian honours recipients, whose diversity of achievements and outstanding contributions to our nation are both exceptional and inspirational.  

It is wonderful to see so many of you have found time to attend the Association’s annual conference, which was last hosted by Queensland in 2017. It follows a wonderful year of celebratory engagements in 2025 to mark the golden anniversary of Australia’s unique system of honours and awards. It certainly gave me the opportunity to reflect on 50 years of contributions by exceptional Queenslanders to our nation. 

As Governor of Queensland, each year I have the privilege of hosting several Investiture Ceremonies at which I present medals and pins to deserving Queensland recipients named in the Australia Day and King’s Birthday honours lists.  

These ceremonies are held in their most traditional format at Government House in Brisbane, in a room filled with friends, family members, colleagues and distinguished invited guests, who then enjoy congratulations and catch-ups over refreshments on the lawn or in our elegant Drawing Room. 

I have also regularly travelled to regional and even remote parts of the state–from Toowoomba to Townsville and Cairns, and even Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria–and conferred honours upon individuals who are widely respected and admired in their communities, with many members of those communities in attendance. These special ceremonies take place in sporting halls, art galleries, public libraries, and even at the bedsides of those who are no longer able to come to me. 

No matter where they are held, and how many are in attendance, these are deeply significant, uplifting and inspirational occasions.  

I take enormous pride in seeing so many remarkable individuals–from all walks of life and such diverse communities and fields of endeavour–being recognised for the immense contributions and positive impacts they make in our communities and across our State. 

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Bridge to the Future’. It encapsulates the spirit of the Association and our collective efforts to work together to build the future of the Order of Australia. 

As Patron of the Order of Australia Association in this State, I commend the Association and its members for all the good work being done to promote and encourage high-quality nominations, so we can continue to recognise more worthy individuals. 

However, this conference is more than an annual get-together. It is a moment to reaffirm why the Order of Australia matters and why our honours system remains a vital part of our national identity. This system reminds us that service, humility and dedication to others matters deeply, and that every Australian has the capacity to contribute to the greater good. 

I thank all delegates, congratulate the Association, Council and organisers on an impressive program, and wish you all a fulfilling and enjoyable few days ahead.  

Thank you.