Anglican Church Grammar School Tri-Service Cadets Graduation Parade

Chairman, Mr Dan O’Connor; Headmaster, Dr Campbell; senior military officers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; our fine, upstanding graduates.  

It is always an honour for me to return to my alma mater.

I am especially pleased to be here on such an auspicious and celebratory occasions as today’s Tri-Service Cadets Graduation Parade.

We are primarily here to acknowledge service – service to one’s self, service to our School, and, in that fine Churchie tradition, service to our community at large.

I was an Army Cadet at Churchie from 1962 to 1965. This led to further service in the Queensland University Regiment, from 1966 to 1971.

These years were, for me, life defining. They emphasized self-discipline and management, which I hope made me a better citizen.

These experiences continue to ground my personal and professional life, as I know they have for so many others.

So much was confirmed just last night I attended the Queensland University Regiment Dining In Night, where we fondly recalled my time in the Regiment with past and current members.

I acknowledge the impeccable ceremonial turnout and drill here today. The Beat Retreat of the Drum Corp, the Musical Troop by the Pipes and Drums, the Royal Salute, the flying of the Governor’s Standard above Parade grounds – this is meaningful tradition, and its continuation here today is appropriate and consistent with our obligations as beneficiaries of all those who have served our nation in all conflicts. 

In doing so, we particularly acknowledge today our fallen Old Boys named on the War Memorial at the base of the natural amphitheatre overlooking The Flat.   

 To today’s graduates, from all Services, I applaud your commitment and dedication – it will have taken many hours, often gruelling hours, and untold patience, to get to this point. I acknowledge also your supporters – parents, teachers, Cadet Officers and instructors, your peers – they invariably will have helped you along the way.

As your Governor, I congratulate you on your accomplishments, particularly to those of you who shortly receive awards for conspicuous achievement.  

Once again, it is a considerable honour to join you all here today, and I wish you all a successful end to the 2016 School year, and a bright and prosperous future. Thank you.