United Service Club Queensland Annual Patron’s Dinner

United Service Club President, Major General Darryl Low Choy AM MBE RFD; Vice President, Brigadier Michael Bond CSC and Bar and Committee Members; Veterans; Club Members and your guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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 tonight.

This is the fifth occasion I have joined you, in my Vice-Regal capacity and as your proud Patron, for this annual Patron’s Dinner — and my last as the 27th Governor of Queensland. I thank Club President Major General Darryl Low Choy for the invitation, and for warmly welcoming Graeme and me this evening.

I also acknowledge the talented members of the Club’s Choir and the National Servicemen’s Memorial Band for their sterling performances.

I am immensely proud to have been your eleventh (11th) Patron, and the first woman to hold this coveted role, continuing a cherished tradition which began in 1933 with Sir Leslie Orme Wilson as the Club’s first Patron and the 15^th Governor of Queensland.

Graeme and I have had a long and fond personal association with the United Service Club: Graeme has been a member here since 1980, and — as some of you may know — we held our wedding reception here a quarter of a century ago. Suffice to say, we feel very much at home here, and have great memories of many marvellous evenings at the Club — evenings we hope to continue to enjoy well into the future.

Since its establishment in 1892, the United Service Club has become a great Queensland institution. While its membership base has expanded over the years, the Club has maintained its deep and enduring ties with our Defence community.

This year marks several historic milestones for the ADF, with the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy both celebrating 125 years; the Royal Australian Air Force marking 105 years; and we’re commemorating the 75^th anniversary of National Service in Australia.

During my term as Governor, Graeme and I have had the privilege of attending many military and ceremonial events to acknowledge and honour our Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families, as well as to offer our respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Last month, I attended the Vietnam Veterans’ Day Remembrance Service which marked the 60^th anniversary of the epic Battle of Long Tan in 1966, an important and challenging time in human history.

And earlier this month, I  attended the Battle for Australia Commemoration Service to remember the Australian and Allied Forces who served during a number of critical military campaigns in the Pacific to defend our nation during the Second World War.

Graeme and I share a deep respect for Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans, reservists and their families, and we honour their remarkable service and sacrifice to our nation.

In today’s uncertain global environment, the role of the ADF is more important than ever.

Tonight, I pay tribute to this Club, which has occupied a special place in our state’s history for more than 130 years. It has gone from strength to strength, maintaining strong military ties while expanding its reach to the wider professional community — honouring service in all its forms, and promoting a spirit of unity across our community.

It has been my privilege to witness firsthand the strength of the Club’s fellowship and the depth of its purpose.

I commend President Major General Darryl Low Choy for his leadership, and acknowledge the dedication of past Presidents, current and past committee members, Club members and staff — all of whom have shaped the Club’s identity and contributed to its enduring success as a central and cherished part of our community.

Thank you again for hosting Graeme and me tonight.