Ipswich Mayor’s Carols by Candlelight

By His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia: Good evening Mr Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Councillors, local Members, the people of Ipswich.

Kaye and I are so pleased to join you on this wonderful occasion when we anticipate the joy and hope of the Christmas season. So many families – so many wonderful excited children!

How characteristic that the vibrant and progressive Ipswich community is again showing the way in hosting one of the earliest carol nights of the season. We should enjoy this season to the hilt, from day one!

It is particularly good to see you all supporting each other with optimism after seasons of natural disaster, including last Thursday. May your spirits remain bright!

It is right tonight that we think about some Ipswich people who cannot be present. They are the dedicated and courageous service men and women from RAAF Base Amberley under deployment in the Middle East. Their service in that foreign land promotes the preservation of our freedoms here. As we meet tonight in joy and happiness, we remember them and their families. They are proudly represented by Wing Commander Simon Nickson.

Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys. As your Governor, and currently as Administrator of the Commonwealth, and with Kaye, I warmly wish you all a wonderful festive season. And now, with thanks to all who have organized this spirited festive display, I declare open the 2014 Ipswich Mayor’s Carols by Candlelight. A Happy Christmas to you all!