Presentation of an Untitled Peter Indans Painting to the Rockhampton Art Gallery

Thank you, Ms Cooper-Lavery, for your kind introduction.

Kaye and I very much love coming to Rockhampton.

We are here, primarily, for the installation of the new Central Queensland University Chancellor tomorrow, and to support, in our vice-regal capacity, dynamic Rockhampton life.

Alongside friends of the Gallery, we are however very touched former colleagues from the Bench, including Justice McMeekin, and from the wider legal profession, can join with us today to see this wonderful painting come “full circle”. I also acknowledge the presence of Members of Parliament Ms Landry and Mr Pearce, and the Mayor and Councillors

The painting was presented to me – Kaye as well – on the occasion of my completion of 10 years as Chief Justice of Queensland, a presentation by the Rockhampton Judiciary and Bar in 2008.

Kaye and I were extremely moved by this gesture at that time.

We had sought to support the profession State-wide, and were fond of the Rockhampton and Capricorn region. The painting hung in my judicial corridor for 6 years until my resignation in 2014 to become Governor.

As have many dedicated Governors before me, and in the spirit of public service axiomatic to this office, I very much seek where possible to ensure maximum public benefit from items of historical importance to the State, and this item is very much one: it was a presentation to a Chief Justice of the State who had survived the comparatively long term to that point of 10 years, and a presentation to that Chief Justice and his supportive wife by a regional profession for whom they had demonstrated affectionate support, which was reciprocated… and then he became their Governor…

It is with all this in mind that I am, with Kaye’s support, very honoured, with immense affection, to give this painting back to the region so integral to Mr Indans career, to be beneficially preserved in this Gallery; Kaye and I have such profound affection for this region, and the Central Queensland judiciary and profession.

I thank the Gallery, and the Council, Madam Mayor, for today’s opportunity, and for your wider work – our regional galleries are essential to community preservation and contentment; Kaye and I are honoured to support you all.  

Thank you.