Government House Hosted Reception in Support of Regional Government House, Longreach

Ladies and gentlemen, it is Kaye’s and my great honour to welcome here tonight such a vibrant cross-section of Longreach and Central West life.

I at once acknowledge, with respect to their Elders, the Traditional Custodians of the lands around Longreach.

Being back in this town wonderfully brings to mind many vivid, happy memories of my childhood here.

Kaye and I were genuinely and deeply touched by the community turn-out – easily 300 hundred or more – on the platform in June when we arrived in the Vice-Regal and Heritage Carriages aboard the ‘Spirit of the Outback’; we look forward to the official opening of that station on Sunday. 

We hoped in some way that that visit would buoy spirits – and we were greatly relieved to hear, shortly afterwards, that there were some really decent rainfalls out here – about 175 mils in June, and some more in subsequent months.

There is a limit to what a Governor can claim, but we live in hope still that more will proceed this visit…

Kaye and I harbour a great sense of pride that we will be based here in Longreach for the next eight days, Government House operations having been uprooted from historic Fernberg in Brisbane and transplanted here. During the week we will attend more than 50 program elements, including 10 school visits, 24 speaking opportunities, and it is from Longreach that I will fulfil my constitutional duties as required.

We will also use Longreach as a base to visit eight other communities – Windorah, Jundah, Ilfracombe, Winton, Muttaburra, and Boulia.

We will travel 200 kilometres from Bedourie next Tuesday to be at the iconic Birdsville Hotel for the Melbourne Cup – a long way for those from the metropolis, but like popping next door for residents of our vast West!

We strongly believe Regional Government House is a most worthwhile contribution from us, one that acknowledges our vital regional identity, and promotes the crucial stipulation that we Queenslanders must support each other.

We are particularly glad that we gather tonight at the QANTAS Founders Museum, which this year celebrates its 20^th anniversary, and, alongside other tourist drawcards represented here tonight, does so much to elevate this town on the national and international stage.

Tonight we also have representatives here from governmental spheres; there are industry leaders and pastoralists; representatives of community organisations and the local media, and from our schools, churches, and the police and emergency services.

Those memories I still have of my time, they are never far from the surface – they continue to guide and ground me in personal and professional endeavour.

I know that your contributions have a similar effect on our State – you simply cannot understand a State as vast, as decentralised and as progressive as ours without acknowledging our vital and indispensable rural identity – it is Kaye’s and my honour to acknowledge you all.

We very much look forward to meeting many of you tonight, and we equally look forward to the busy week ahead. Thank you.