Reception in Recognition of Patronage Organisations (1)

Good evening and welcome to you, the representatives of almost all of the patronage organisations that Graeme and I feel extremely privileged to have supported during my term as Governor.  

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

Graeme and I are delighted so many of you could join us here and afford us this final — formal — opportunity to thank you for all that you do to help our state and its people thrive. We would not normally host this many people at one time inside Government House — the last time we even came close was a visit by then Prince Charles in 2018, on the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 70th birthday.  

The Honourable Paul de Jersey was Governor, and also turning 70 that year — as were many of the more than 200 invited guests! I will be pleased to tell him, next time I see him, that this evening we surpassed number of guests at that Reception — quite comfortably by the looks! 

As Patron or Joint Patrons of so many remarkable organisations, it has been our immense honour to champion the diverse work you do — creating a strong, compassionate network of care that reaches out to Queenslanders in need, in very part of our very large, diverse and decentralised state.  

Whether you are assisting humans, plants, animals or the environment, each of the organisations you represent is connected by a genuine, unwavering belief in the ability to generate beneficial change—at the heart of which is a deep sense of kindness. 

Such kindness is essential to building greater equity in our society —encouraging a state of inclusion where Queenslanders of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances, can live in respectful harmony, in good health, and in vibrant communities. 

Through practical and intangible actions, you are protecting and saving lives, improving wellbeing, and enhancing quality of life. You are furthering cultural connections, preserving history, boosting skills and education, and ensuring good governance for stability.  

Being a Patron provides a unique opportunity to connect with people from across our state. It is a responsibility that has been an essential part of the vice-regal role since the first Queensland Governor was appointed in 1859, and I am enormously proud to have been part of this enduring tradition of support. 

Some of the links to Government House are over 140 years old — such as that with our state’s oldest charity, Lady Musgrave Trust. Others have only commenced during my term, yet this constancy — and change — mirrors the evolving requirements in our communities. 

Graeme and I have travelled widely across the state — to all 77 of Queensland’s Local Government Areas, in fact — and have been fortunate to visit some of our patronage organisations in country areas, where we have seen how groups with local representation forge togetherness and a sense of joint purpose. 

We have been proud to have shared in your triumphs; celebrating pivotal moments, including milestone birthdays, openings, fundraising events, awards ceremonies, and much more. 

And we have been thrilled to welcome you and your guests to Government House for formal receptions, and to see magnificent Fernberg lit up with colours of solidarity and hope. 

We have also been impressed to see the power of adaptability and innovation at work, and it is clear that while you are proud of your histories, you also have a firm eye on continual improvement, not just to better help those you serve, but to make your own organisations more resilient. 

Volunteers are, of course, a crucial part of your operations, and I know you join Graeme and me in commending them for their generous, passionate contributions. 

These past five years have been busy, but incredibly rewarding, and my only regret is not having the time to be more involved.  

It has been a privilege to learn about the outstanding work being done by the organisations we support and to have met some of the extraordinary board members, managers and staff who are working their magic behind the scenes.  

And I do want to mention the many letters of gratitude received from you these past few weeks, thanking me and Graeme for our support. We have read every single one, and while we won’t be able to respond to all of them, be assured that we feel humbled and deeply honoured to be held in your high esteem. 

Thank you for making my term as the 27th Queensland Governor such a joy, and for your partnership, support and shared commitment to serving Queenslanders. 

Graeme and I wish you every success for the future.