Reception in support of The Boys’ Brigade and The Girls’ Brigade Queensland’s Queen’s Badges and Awards

The Boys' Brigade Queensland, President Mr Jason Knight, and Executive Chairman, Mr Anthony Campling; The Girls' Brigade Queensland, State Commissioner, Mrs Cindy-Lee Robertson, Deputy State Commissioner and Revive Coordinator, Ms Monique Robertson; and Committee Chair, Miss Lauren James; distinguished guests; boys and girls.

I 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.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House tonight on this special occasion where several very deserving recipients will be honoured with either the Queen’s Badge or the Queen’s Award.

As Patron of both the Boys’ Brigade and the Girls’ Brigade in Queensland, it is a pleasure to be among this cohort of outstanding young recipients who will receive the highest possible recognition offered by these Brigades.

These awards are not given lightly. They represent years of commitment, and reflect countless hours spent learning new skills, serving the community, supporting peers, and developing the character that will guide them throughout their lives.

This evening, we acknowledge and celebrate their amazing efforts and achievements. The Brigades have had a long and proud history in Queensland.  For generations, they have helped shape our young people into confident, capable, compassionate adults.

Through their holistic programs, the Brigades have fostered the importance of personal development, and encouraged a passion for service and the community, underpinned by the Christian faith.

Next year will be extra special for the Brigades for a number of reasons. Firstly, the Girls’ Brigade Australia will celebrate 100 years of continuous service. I take this opportunity to congratulate the Girls Brigade on its approaching centenary and offer my thanks for its ongoing commitment to guiding our young women and girls.

In terms of the Boys’ Brigade, this is the last cohort to receive the Queens’s Badge. Next year’s deserving recipients will receive the King’s Badge in recognition of the reign of His Majesty King Charles the Third.

As Patron, I congratulate each of tonight’s recipients on the successful completion of the Queen’s Badge or Queen’s Award.

No young person reaches a moment like this alone. Behind each award is a network of parents, carers, mentors and friends who encourage and support recipients on their journey. Tonight is their celebration, too.

To the officers and leaders of the Brigades: thank you for your commitment to helping shape the next generation. Your influence extends far beyond weekly meetings or annual camps. It lives on in the confidence, kindness and capability of the young people you guide, who will go on to strengthen our communities and enrich our society.

To the recipients: you should feel deeply proud. You have demonstrated fortitude when challenges appeared, initiative when opportunities arose, and dedication when the path required patience and effort.

Wherever the future takes you, your commitment to your Christian faith and to the mission and vision of the Brigades will undoubtedly stand you in good stead for the future.

As Patron, I once again congratulate each of our award recipients on their remarkable achievements and wish them continued success as they take all they have learnt out into the world.