Morning tea to farewell the 'Diamantina, Lady Bowen' portrait

I thank you all kindly for lending the beautiful Diamantina to Government House and to the people of Queensland, almost fifteen hundred of whom met Lady Bowen on Open Day last Saturday.

As always, I enjoyed sharing with our visitors the significance of the artwork on the walls, and of course Diamantina holds a very special place in our State’s history – as wife of our first Governor.

On Queensland Day I shared with ABC Radio listeners some interesting facts about the origin of our State, including the arduous ‘surprise’ voyage of Governor Bowen and his family. They set sail for Brisbane long before anyone here had heard whether Queen Victoria had approved the new colony. I can only imagine the trepidation Lady Bowen must have felt during those months at sea, young Adelaide on her lap. How resilient she was and how elegant she remained.

Having her stay with us these past 12 months has been a privilege for Kaye and me personally and for our many guests, and we return her to you today, grateful for having had the pleasure of her company.

I am so pleased your restoration work at Adderton is now compete and Lady Bowen can return home to the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane.

Thank you again.