Private Investiture Ceremony for Mr Robert Thompson OAM

Mornington Shire Council, Mayor, Councillor Richard Sewter; Acting CEO Ms Skye Price; Deputy Mayor, and today’s Medal of the Order of Australia recipient, Councillor Bobby Thompson OAM; Councillors; Representatives of the Gulf Regional Aboriginal Corporation from the Lardil, Yangkaal, Kaiadilt and Gangalidda communities; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we gather, who for millennia, have looked after the lands and waters of this region. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here today.

Thank you all for making Graeme and I feel so welcome, and for inviting us to into your very special community. 

As well as visiting your school, Hospital and Health Centre and seeing the stunning artworks on show at the gallery, my job today is a very happy one, as we come together to honour a man whose selfless contributions over numerous years have touched the lives of so many on Mornington Island and beyond.

Mr Robert Thompson—better known here as “Uncle Bobby”—is an individual who, every single day, is driven to be of help to the people in this community, and protect the place he calls home, without expectation of praise in return.

I am therefore so glad that you are all here this afternoon to help celebrate his achievements, and publicly show your appreciation for a man who continues in his seventies to be actively involved in life, with incredible energy and dedication.

The presentation of this Medal of the Order of Australia to Uncle Bobby highlights the diverse ways in which he has worked for Mornington Island: whether it be serving the Council; being an integral member of the local fire, emergency and marine rescue services; for his work with Indigenous radio, or deep within the community in such areas as health and sport, and even as the local bus driver!

Yet a summary of his many achievements and multiple roles cannot capture the quiet, fierce determination he has to improve his community, particularly by setting such an amazing example for others to follow.

Uncle Bobby is a saver of lives, protector of traditions, and a true champion for his people.

He is known for being there in times of need, whether it is assisting in a crisis or emergency, or rolling up his sleeves to do what he can to help anyone, anytime, with the reliable and calm practicality that comes from a lifetime of diverse learning.

He is a man who reaches out to others, happily sharing his deep understanding and knowledge, and ensuring the needs of the local residents are heard and included in decisions that affect them.

And perhaps most significantly—as a respected Elder—he is deeply passionate about encouraging younger people in the Gulf community to take charge of their own futures.

By transferring his wisdom and helping preserve the precious traditions, stories and customs that define this beautiful place, he is building a stronger sense of togetherness and pride.

It is tremendously uplifting to see the efforts being made here—and throughout the Gulf—to support young people, particularly in the areas of reading and writing and by improving health outcomes.

To this end, I am so grateful to people like Uncle Bobby who are such important leaders and role models.

He represents the best of humanity, and whether you call him a colleague, a mate or a much-loved family member, I know you are all incredibly proud of him, not just for receiving today’s special honour, but for what he has spent a lifetime doing, in his own humble, steadfast way. 

Much of that journey I know was shared with his beloved wife, who recently passed, and we pay our deepest respects to her memory and offer you our sincere condolences for your loss. The support and guidance we receive from our life partners is often indistinguishable from our own efforts, and I’m sure you would want to share part of this immense honour and achievement with her.

I am so thrilled I could be here in person to present his award in this very special 50^th anniversary year of our nation’s Honours and Awards system.

It truly captures the essence of why this special recognition was created in the first place: to unearth and formally recognise the everyday heroes who are making a genuine difference to the wellbeing of others and creating stronger and more vibrant communities.

As Governor, and on behalf of all Queenslanders, congratulations Mr Robert Thompson—Uncle Bobby—for your remarkable efforts, and for building a legacy that I am sure will continue to inspire those around you.

Thank you.