Reception in Support of Patronage Organisations

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished as are you all, Kaye and I welcome you all most warmly to Government House this evening.

We are especially pleased, on this particular evening, to host senior representatives of many of the organisations of which we have the honour to be Patrons.

Kaye and I recently surpassed the half-way point – two and a half years – of the five-year term for which Governors of Queensland are appointed.

Neither Kaye nor I can think of a better way in which to celebrate this unofficial milestone than to be in your company.

The organisations represented here serve their communities in a wide variety of roles and ways. Indeed the list is so extensive, so eclectic, that I would seriously test your patience were I to attempt even the broadest brush description.

However, I don’t believe anyone here will begrudge my singling out of organisations that support our serving defence force personnel, and our ex-service personnel, and their families. 

There are about a dozen admirable organisations in that category here this evening. As we continue to commemorate World War One centenaries, and the highly significant fall of Singapore and Battle of the Coral Sea 75 years ago, I acknowledge with gratitude their dedication to the history, memory and welfare of Australian defence personnel and their loved ones. 

And it is fitting that I acknowledge and congratulate, in particular, War Widows Australia (Queensland), formed only last year by the merger of the War Widows’ Guild of Australia (Queensland) and the Queensland Vasey Housing Auxiliary.

In acting as patrons to the organisations represented in this room, Kaye and I endeavour to support, encourage and inspire you in your wonderful endeavours. 

But patronage relationships work both ways.

In that respect, we thank you for allowing us the privilege of witnessing, at first hand, the work that you do – the work of Queenslanders whose dedication and sheer hard work do so much to  support, enhance and enrich our State’s communities.

I am privileged also, along with Kaye, in speaking for all Queenslanders in thanking you wholeheartedly for the marvellous way in which you serve the people of this vast State.   

Yours is a record to be proud of and to celebrate, and we invite you to do just that by taking advantage of our Government House hospitality.

Enjoy the evening!