The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship in Queensland King’s Birthday Reception (1)

Representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations, Mr James Lister MP; Representing the Lord Mayor, Councillor Vicki Howard; Commander, Combat Support Group, Royal Australian Air Force, Air Commodore Andrew McHugh CSM; Representing Commanding Officer, HMAS Moreton, Royal Australian Navy, Commander Andrew Johnston; Representing Commander 7th Brigade, Australian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Clarke; Consul-General of the United Kingdom for Queensland, Mr Richard Cowin MBE, and members of the Consular Corps of Queensland; Commissioners and their representatives; Chair of The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship in Queensland, Mr Bill Willcocks; President of the United Service Club, Major General Darryl Low Choy AM MBE RFD (Rtd); Chair of The Order of Australia Association Queensland Branch, Mrs Ronda Nix 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 today.

Graeme and I are delighted to be with you all this afternoon to honour the official birthday of our Monarch and Head of State, His Majesty King Charles the Third; and I thank Mr Bill Willcocks, Chairman of the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship in Queensland and his dedicated team, for hosting this special reception.  

In just over a week’s time, the route between London’s The Mall and Horse Guards Parade will come alive with the pageantry of Trooping the Colour—an annual tradition that has marked the Sovereign’s birthday for over 260 years.

This deeply significant and cherished event is symbolic of the unique blend of history and progress that underpins our Constitutional Monarchy, and powers the strength of the Commonwealth of Nations itself.

His Majesty’s own lifelong commitment to serve the public also comes with deep respect for tradition, blended with a profound understanding of, and interest in, the issues affecting our contemporary world.  

And, it is this same ability to respect the past, while remaining future-focussed that has also enabled the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship to flourish in this state.  

As Patron, I am so pleased to see the organisation approaching its 100^th year with a clear vision for the path ahead, having created the momentum required to grow, by embracing diverse voices and fresh ideas, and by encouraging the involvement of young people.

In my term as the 27^th Governor of this state, there have been historic changes in the Monarchy, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

In September 2022, I had the honour of proclaiming the reign of our new Sovereign, King Charles the Third, marking His Majesty’s accession as our Head of State—in ceremonies held at Government House and at Parliament House—a duty that was last undertaken 70 years prior, by the 16^th Queensland Governor, Sir John Lavarack, when Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne.

In May 2023, I also represented Queenslanders at the spectacular Coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey; while in July 2024, Graeme and I were delighted to have a private audience with King Charles at the Sandringham Estate, where we presented him with an amazing 1974 photograph taken at Eidsvold in the North Burnett—which featured His Majesty on horseback—bringing back fond memories, and demonstrating his affection for our state and country.

In this year’s Commonwealth Day message, The King, as its Commemorative Head, acknowledged that in this time of “great challenge and possibility”, the future will rely on us “working together” as “a force for good”.

It is this fellowship, unity, and spirit of shared enterprise that make the Commonwealth strong, but this also relies on the energy, enthusiasm and actions of individuals across the world.

As the Victoria League looks towards next year’s centenary milestone, I take this opportunity to acknowledge Bill Willcock’s immense contribution to furthering the objectives of the organisation in this state.  

For a decade as Chairman, Bill has been a passionate champion for our precious Commonwealth of Nations, and, as his long tenure ends, I express my sincere gratitude to him for helping to promote its attributes, and for highlighting its value to Queenslanders.

In a spirit of togetherness, we extend to His Majesty, King Charles the Third our humblest admiration for his leadership and guidance, and on his official 78th birthday, wish him good health and happiness.

Thank you.