Royal Queensland Golf Club Heritage Day Luncheon

A speech delivered by His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC as Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia:  Thank you, Tim, for your kind introduction. I am thoroughly enjoying being back at this wonderful Queensland institution.

I am particularly pleased to be shortly presenting the Governor-General’s Trophy.

My attendance here today coincides with my being the Administrator of the Commonwealth; our Governor-General is overseas.

I add therefore in this different role to the growing list of vice-regal representatives who have graced the Club with their presence over the past ninety-five years. This includes Governors-General Lord Forster and Major General Michael Jeffrey who opened the original and new Royal courses respectively in 1921 and 2007.

My attendance also signals the continuation of a distinguished line of Governor-Patrons, but not, admittedly, the smaller but equally distinguished and dexterous list of Governor-Patron-players!

These vice-regal links speak to the indelible and positive contributions the Club has augustly made on our State’s historical fabric.

But admirably the Club isn’t resting on these laurels. I applaud your foresight in ensuring the Club maintains contemporary relevance, particularly by offering new shorter forms of golf with accompanying memberships designed to appeal particularly to younger working people.

Of course, for many the apogee of membership of this fine establishment lies quite apart from the golf itself. (I say this with some trepidation, for fear I will reveal to non-playing spouses the guise of golf many of you may have expertly built up over decades). 

These are the supervening concomitant benefits of conviviality, friendship, and comfort in respite from the burdens and exigencies of our hastening lives.

And the Club provides this all in an uplifting atmosphere, bringing together people from all walks of life!

It is wonderful to support this, and to be able to do so as Patron and today as Administrator on behalf of all Australians.

As I mentioned earlier, I will shortly present the Governor-General’s Trophy, along with the Governor’s Trophy and Medal, and the Hickory Championship Trophy. I congratulate all of our Heritage Day Championship competitors. I particularly thank our President, board members, Club Captains, and the expert team under the guidance of our General Manager – the course looks spectacular!

May we continue to enjoy this memorable afternoon in fine company.