The Cairns Amateurs Carnival President’s Cocktails and VIP Welcome Function

Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development, Mr Michael Healy MP; Mayor, Councillor Bob Manning OAM and Mrs Claire Manning; Deputy Mayor, Councillor Terry James; Cairns Amateurs Patron and Racing Manager for the Brisbane Racing Club, Mr Bart Sinclair OAM; Cairns Amateurs Carnival President, Mr David Goodman and Committee Members; sponsors; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

May I also acknowledge the original custodians of the Cairns region and pay my respect to Elders past, present and emerging. I extend that respect to all First Nations people here this evening.

What a pleasure it is for us to be here in Cairns to help celebrate and take part in the festivities of The Cairns Amateurs Carnival.

This stellar horse racing event was once a simple idea to unite city and country. It has grown exponentially over the 64 years since it began and is now a major highlight on the Far North Queensland calendar — and Graeme and I are just thrilled to be part of it!

As Governor and Patron of The Cairns Amateurs, I extend a warm welcome to all our local, interstate, and overseas visitors.  Thank you for your enthusiasm in getting behind this wonderful carnival. I am sure you are looking forward to it as much as we are — dressing-up, picking a winner, while enjoying some fabulous social events with family, friends and colleagues.

We are so delighted to be spending time in Cairns — a place known for extraordinary scenery, exquisite food, and an abundance of warm, generous hospitality.

Graeme and I have a brilliant visit planned. Tomorrow, I have the honour of presenting nine Far North Queensland recipients with Australian Honours and Awards at my first official Investiture Ceremony in Cairns since I was sworn in as Governor in November.

Following, it’s off to the Ladies Race Day, where I am particularly interested to see who will win The Governor’s Trophy. Any tips are gratefully accepted! Tomorrow night, we will experience all the glitz and glamour of ‘The Greatest Showman’ Gala Ball.

I commend The Cairns Amateurs for their charity partnerships with the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation and the Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.  May I encourage everyone to dig deep to support these worthy organisations that are making valuable contributions to the health and wellbeing of the community, and the natural environment of Far North Queensland.

Finally, I would like to thank The Cairns Amateurs Committee, staff, and sponsors for your dedication and commitment in bringing together this outstanding event. Not only is it highly valued by lovers of horse racing, but it is also greatly appreciated by the broader community for the enormous boost it gives to local tourism and business.

Without doubt, we can all look forward to a wonderful few days of fun both on, and off, the track.

Graeme and I thank you for the very warm welcome and kind hospitality, and wish you all the best for a very successful carnival. Thank you.