Tennis Australia Fed Cup Official Dinner 2016

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

As Governor of this great State, it gives me enormous pleasure to extend to you all the warmest of welcomes to Queensland.

It is sometimes difficult for visitors to comprehend fully the enormity of our State, although less so, I suspect, for Americans. But, to put it in a way our visitors may understand, the land mass of Queensland is two-and-a-half times the size of Texas – I don’t wish to alarm our American friends, but we have a lot of room in which to practice!  

I speak tonight on behalf of all Queenslanders in our vast State, and also as Patron of Tennis Queensland, in saying, we are all very excited to host this most prestigious tournament once again in our vibrant capital city.

Queenslanders have great affection for tennis, and indeed for the Fed Cup.

Brisbane’s own Wendy Turnbull holds the record for the most Fed Cup ties played for our country; and Brisbane-born Sam Stosur has won more Fed Cup singles matches than any other Australian player.  

Of course, this week is not just about celebrating individual achievement, the Fed Cup being one of the few opportunities players have to represent their countries in an otherwise largely individual sport.

I wish all competitors a hard-fought tournament, played in the spirit of competitiveness and international exchange which has underpinned the Fed Cup’s success since its inception in 1963. 

I also thank Tennis Australia, and all sponsors, officials and supporters involved in organising this highly professional event –thank you for honouring our State through your presence.