23 December

On Tuesday, in the morning, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, issued the following message: During these first few months as your Governor, I have with Kaye again been struck by the great warmth, generosity and goodwill of Queenslanders. 

In this traditional period of rest and celebration, we are reminded that Queenslanders are overwhelmingly characterised by conspicuous devotion to each other.  May that wonderful level of mutual support continue to instil hope and optimism in all of us.

We are especially conscious at this time of our need to support those fellow Queenslanders suffering the ravaging effects, material and emotional, of the shocking drought affecting three-quarters of our State. We all fervently hope their plight will soon be alleviated. We all try to support all who struggle against adversity.

We also particularly acknowledge those who serve in a wide range of organisations – community, State, national – keeping us all safe.

Kaye and I wish all fellow Queenslanders a very happy, and fulfilling, Christmas 2014, and a most progressive and contented 2015. And thank you all for welcoming us so warmly into this significant new role, in which we are so honoured to seek to serve you.