Royal Historical Society of Queensland Day Dinner

Councillor for Central Ward, Councillor Vicky Howard; Royal Historical Society of Queensland, President, Mr Stephen Sheaffe AM; Vice President, Dr Gary Bacon AM; Awards Committee Chair, Dr Ruth Kerr OAM; Society Councillors; United Service Club President, Major General Darryl Low Choy AM MBE RFD; Major General Professor John Pearn AO RFD (Retd); Lieutenant Commander Nam Nguyen; Air Commodore Robert Lawson OAM; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I, too, 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 to be with you for this annual celebration, marking the founding moment of our state.

I’m particularly pleased to be part of a long tradition of The Royal Historical Society of Queensland, acting as the 17th consecutive Vice-Regal Patron, dating back to 1909.

It is a pleasure to meet this evening in the comfortable surroundings of the United Service Club—of which I am also proud Patron—and I thank the management and staff for their warm welcome.

On this important anniversary, history feels especially powerful.

Earlier today, at our Government House Open Day, I spoke about the Letters Patent, signed by Queen Victoria 167 years ago—the document that marked the colony’s official separation from New South Wales, the historic moment our great State began to chart its own course. By special arrangement with the State Archives, a copy of this document was displayed in the Drawing Room for all our visitors to read firsthand.

June 6 is a day of celebration, and the Queensland community have taken up the task with great enthusiasm. There have been all manner of parties and barbecues, food and wine festivals, concerts, films and exhibitions.

And sport, of course: everything from park runs and barefoot bowls earlier today, to NRL, AFL, and netball matches being played as we gather here tonight. Bridges and buildings are lit in maroon in Brisbane city and in regional centres.

There is a sense of vibrancy and deep pride in what has been achieved here.

From those early, difficult times—days of controversy and disparagement about Queensland’s potential, its ability to govern itself—the State has grown to become the powerhouse it is today.

The speed of that development is notable. For instance, the introduction of free primary education—a first in Australia—came just 11 years after separation, laying the foundations for the State’s future success.

The place we are lucky enough to call home has been built through the ongoing vision and effort of many. Speaking personally, this is something I witness every day.

As Governor, I serve as the Vice-Regal Patron of more than 170 charitable organisations and associations, all of them making valuable contributions to the lives of Queenslanders.

From the State’s early days, The Royal Historical Society of Queensland has itself played an enormous role in advancing the study of our region’s history. For well over a century, the Society has been documenting, preserving, and promoting our stories; making Queensland history matter.

As the State’s peak history body, that determination continues, involving not only professional historians and researchers but—ably supported by its dedicated members and volunteers—the general public.

The Society’s custodianship of the Commissariat Store Museum—among Queensland’s most significant heritage buildings—and The Dig Tree Reserve at Cooper Creek in the State’s outback, ensures that precious buildings and locations are preserved for future understanding.

Through an active program of talks and exhibitions, the Society continues in its huge task of engaging and informing, keeping Queensland’s stories alive.

Tonight, we’re privileged to witness that process in action, through this evening’s talks on aspects of military history, and as we learn of this year’s recipient of the John and Ruth Kerr Medal for Distinction in Australian history.

Hard work and determination, as our history tells us, have been the cornerstone of our State’s success. Long may it continue.

Happy Queensland Day.