Regional Government House: Official visit to Georgetown State School

Mayor Devlin; Councillors; Principal, Mr Daniel Smith; Georgetown State School students, staff and supporters.

I at once acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we gather, and pay respect to their Elders past and present – with encouragement to their young emerging leaders.

It is an honour for Kaye and me to join you today as we continue our fourth Regional Government House, and visit Georgetown for the first time.

As we always do, we are very much enjoying our official visit to Far North Queensland.

Though small in numbers, this is a school big of spirit, and I thank you for such a warm welcome this morning.

Since I became Governor in 2014 we have hosted more than 20 Queensland schools for tours of Government House – and I hope your teachers won’t mind me saying this – but if you come to Brisbane we would be delighted to return your hospitality with a visit to Fernberg.

During my time as Governor I have also had the pleasure of visiting more than 55 Queensland schools, and each visit is highly rewarding.

In fact, today is an educational experience for all of us.

As we walked into the grounds this morning it was clear that your teachers, and indeed your ever-supportive parents, place a high value on learning inside and outside the classroom.

I am told of your wonderful garden, in particular an impressive pumpkin patch, a colourful cow tribute to our State’s incredibly resilient graziers, and ‘hotel-style accommodation’ for your beloved chickens.

There are many keen cooks among us, and I am proud to see you put your beautiful Far North Queensland produce to good use, as we do at Government House, where we like to showcase the best our State has to offer.

A visit to Canberra during the recent school holidays no doubt tested your abilities to cope with the cold, but I am sure valuable lessons were learned at Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and even on the ski fields.

I have fond memories of school excursions and extra-curricular activities during my time at various regional primary schools, and I encourage you to continue embracing every opportunity that comes your way.

Thank you once again for welcoming us today, we very much look forward to visiting other parts of your town this morning.