Reception for the Queensland Consular Corps Directory launch

Chief Justice; elected representatives; Consular Corps of Queensland members; ladies and gentlemen.

Kaye and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House this evening. It is a pleasure to host this reception on the occasion of the launch of the Queensland Consular Corps Directory.

It makes it all the more special knowing this beautiful building was erected by a former consul – Mr Johann Christian Heussler, who emigrated to Australia from Frankfurt in 1820.

Two years after his arrival, Mr Heussler moved from Melbourne to Brisbane, where he became a highly respected entrepreneur and was recognised as a founding member of the Queensland Club, Consul for the Netherlands, Consul for Germany, and Emigration Agent for German shipping companies.

Mr Heussler and his wife, Sophia Esther Westgarth, took up residence here in 1865. They named their new house Fernberg – ‘Fern’, meaning distant or remote, and ‘Berg’, meaning mountain.

But Fernberg is so much more than a beautiful mansion on a mountain – it is a celebration of the successes of those who have come across the seas from all corners of the globe, called Queensland home and contributed to the advancement and prosperity of our wonderful State.

In 1865, Queensland had a population of less than 100,000 people. Today, there are more than 5 million of us, one-third of whom were born overseas.

We are an incredibly diverse State, and one which continues to strengthen our relationships with other nations through foreign investment, tourism and trade.

As the process of globalisation deepens, the role of Queensland’s Consular Corps is becoming ever more crucial, and Kaye and I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your very important work.

Moreover, we would like to commend your Dean, Mr Jim Raptis OBE, for taking the initiative in compiling the Queensland Consular Corps Directory.

This Directory will undoubtedly prove to be a significant resource for any organisation and government department seeking your assistance.

It will be used widely across Australia and will be a valuable asset for the continued promotion and enhancement of our State to both national and international audiences.

Once again, congratulations to all involved.

Thank you.