Reception in Support of Organisations with Vice-Regal Patronage

Distinguished guests, Kaye and I acknowledge you all. It is truly wonderful that you could join us for tonight’s highly significant occasion, where we memorably acknowledge and thank those organisations of which we are privileged and pleased to be Patron.

I also of course consider it an enormous privilege to be your Governor. My important ceremonial and constitutional duties have been particularly evident during the first three months of this year: the election; last month’s swearing-in of members of the Ministry including the Premier; last week’s opening of the 55^th Parliament.

However, it has been the community role – supporting high achievement and promoting the cohesive elements of our society that overwhelm those which divide us – which Kaye and I have found to be particularly gratifying.  

Tonight we seek to recognise your efforts, as the human face of some of the nearly 160 organisations of which we are Patron.

We have over the first eight months of this governorship attended over 150 community events, many hosted here, or hosted or attended by the organisations you represent.

I must gratefully acknowledge how interesting is the varied and inspiring tableau you present. As Patron last week, for example, interspersed among certain “largish” parliamentary duties, we attended the 50^th Red Shield Appeal launch; the National Council of Women of Queensland President’s Dinner – in its 110^th year; Kaye attended the Mothers’ Union Annual Service at St John’s; and we both yesterday at Maroochydore visited the Surf Life Saving Queensland 2015 State Championships. On all these occasions, Kaye and I meet many wonderful Queenslanders, from all walks of life, and of all ages. Their optimism and zest for life is infectious!

Tonight we thank those organisations which support the promotion of the arts and our magnificent cultural institutions, unpack and preserve our State’s rich history and vibrant heritage, and continue fine sporting and club traditions.

The additional many medical, educational, youth- and internationally-focused organisations of which we are Patron will be recognised at a separate reception later this year.

Your efforts help bind Queenslanders together in an uplifting way. You also encourage mutual support – which I hope is an emerging theme of this 26^th governorship.

Queensland mutual support is constant and compassionate and was conspicuously demonstrated through the enormous volunteer and emergency services response to recent drought and cyclone disasters. However it also drives your everyday work – the manifest benefit being increased social cohesion.

There is an additional group of patronage organisations present here tonight I wish particularly to acknowledge: those who represent our current and former service personnel.

We Australians focus our attention on Gallipoli in this significant centenary year. But Kaye’s and my profound gratitude – as Governor on behalf of all Queenslanders – embraces all those who fought for us gallantly in many subsequent, and indeed previous, theatres of war.

We also recognise those organisations which provide crucial material and emotional support to the men and women of the defence forces – and their families – during or, vitally, after their service.

I want also to salute the countless volunteers, board members, staff and supporters of your organisations who daily work to ensure we live together as harmoniously and progressively as we can.

Thank you all for joining us this evening. Be assured that Kaye and I feel most privileged to be your Patrons, and that we will do our utmost to acknowledge and seek to benefit your organisations, which are all so worthwhile.