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27th Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM

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Reception to Celebrate Lithuania’s Independence Day

Ambassador of Lithuania, His Excellency Mr Darius Degutis; Honorary Consul of Lithuania in Brisbane, Mr Andrew Catsoulis Mr Speaker, the Honourable Patrick Wier MP; Members of Parliament, Mr Jon Krause MP; Ms Grace Grace MP and Mrs Charis Mullen MP; distinguished guests and valued members of the Lithuanian community.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Graeme and I are delighted to be with you this afternoon, to celebrate a momentous event in the Republic of Lithuania’s history—its full and complete independence.

Yesterday, Lithuanians around the world marked State Restoration Day, honouring the 1918 signing of the Act of Independence that in 1990 helped lay the foundation for Lithuania’s Restoration of Independence, which of course will be celebrated on the 11th of March.

Between these historic events, the effect of two world wars had a devastating impact on the country and its people, as occupation and annexation caused unbelievable sadness and hardship.

Yet, while the path to independence has been long and difficult, the country that emerged from the shadows of these challenges, is one that truly recognises and values the incredible contributions of its people.

Its success today as a thriving, modern Baltic country is built on the belief, hope and pride of Lithuanians, and I am so proud that Australia was one of the first countries to recognise its independence.

While this occasion is marked by solemnity, it is also defined by joy, and an immense respect for the rich traditions that are particularly reflected in your literature, architecture, art, theatre and music.

In fact, I believe the Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival—which had its centenary last year—was in 2008 added to the UNESCO’s “List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”. What an incredible achievement, and one that very much proves the power of singing!

In Queensland, the Lithuanian population is relatively small, but it is also highly active and well-connected… which is very pleasing to see, because maintaining your rich cultural traditions and language, and valuing the stories of your past, encourages greater diversity within our communities, and this wonderful multicultural element is vitally important to the vitality and prosperity of our entire state.

Through the efforts of the Embassy in Canberra, the Consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin and Brisbane, and the various enthusiastic community groups around the country, including the Lithuanian Cultural Association here at Highgate Hill, I am confident that while those in Australia with Lithuanian heritage may be far from the Republic itself, you are ensuring the traditions and the passion that describe the Lithuanian spirit, continue to be passed down to the next generation—and we are so much richer for this!

I thank both the Ambassador of Lithuania and the Honorary Consul-General of Lithuania in Brisbane for their kind invitation for Graeme and me to attend this special event, and on behalf of all Queenslanders wish you Su gimtadieniu, Lietuva! (Happy Birthday Lietuva/Lithuania!)