The Far North Queensland Amateur Turf Club 2015 ‘Cairns Amateurs’ Annual Ball

Thank you, Mr President. I too acknowledge our Premier and Mayor, and all of you, ladies and gentlemen, the wonderful supporters of this magnificent Cairns tradition, the ‘Amateurs’!

Over yesterday and today, Kaye and I have seen Cairns at its very best – the warmth of the celebrated Far North Queensland sun matched only by your generous welcoming spirit and hospitality!

It is an honour for us to join you to continue the proud succession of vice-regal attendance that began with Queensland’s 17^th Governor Sir Henry Abel Smith 57 years ago. 

Over the ensuing six decades or so, the Amateurs has grown into a sophisticated showcase of the region’s tropical lifestyle. It is a major part of the Far North Queensland’s social and economic infrastructure.

And every year, the Committee, led so well once again by our President Mr Michael Delaney, ensures not only that these four days provide a cornucopia of fun, fashion, glamour, food and entertainment, but that tonight’s centrepiece ball rightly remains one of the region’s premier social occasions.

And we all enjoy the concomitant benefits – conviviality, social interaction, and the quiet (or perhaps not so quiet!) cultivation of friendships, old and new!

Ladies and gentlemen, on that note, please rise and join with me as we raise our glasses and toast to the wonderful institution that is: “The Cairns Amateurs”.