The Far North Queensland Amateur Turf Club 2014 ‘Cairns Amateurs’ Annual Ball

Thank you, Mr President, and to the supporters and enthusiasts of this magnificent Cairns tradition, the ‘Amateurs’! I acknowledge the distinguished guests here this evening.  Kaye and I are delighted to be here and we are most grateful for the characteristically warm welcome you have accorded us.  This is truly one of Far North Queensland’s premier social gatherings. 

This is our first visit to Cairns since my being sworn in as your Governor in July this year, however, we have visited Cairns on many happy occasions throughout our lifetimes, and actually had the privilege of attending this fine event when I was Acting Governor in 2010.

That year, I remarked on the success of the ‘Amateurs’ in bringing together people from all over North Queensland, particularly for tonight’s centrepiece ball. The opportunity for social interaction with friends, old and new, lends added richness to the overall ‘Amateurs’ experience, and this experience, we know, is cherished by many.

These four days of fun, fashion and excitement beneath Cairns’ mesmerising skies would not be possible without the marvellous vision and hard work of the ‘Amateurs’ Committee, and in particular the redoubtable President Michael Delaney.

You strive to be the number one must-attend social and racing event in Tropical North Queensland, and you deliver in spades!

Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and join with me as we raise our glasses and toast to a relaxing and fun weekend in magnificent company: to “The Cairns Amateurs”.