Honours and Awards within the Australian Honours System: Investiture Ceremony A

Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, it was a wonderful privilege, as indeed it always is, to present my fellow Queenslanders with the honours they received at this very significant ceremony this morning.

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

Kaye and I extend a warm welcome to Government House to both the recipients, and to their families, friends and supporters.

We look forward to meeting with you after today’s formalities have concluded.

And now, I particularly welcome Dr Mick Davis AM ASM, representing the Order of Australia Association.

Today, we honour a group of Queenslanders who have committed themselves tirelessly to their fields of endeavour and, in doing so, have made a remarkable difference to the lives of their fellow citizens across our vast State.

In our busy lives, it is easy to have noble intentions that one day, in the future, we too may commit more of our time to the welfare of others or to the advancement of our society.

Now, in saying that, I don’t mean to imply that such goals aren’t worthy or admirable. Of course they are.

But today we are here to honour 21 Queenslanders who had more than good intentions, celebrating the achievements of members of our community who didn’t wait until the time was right to improve the world around them.

Today’s honourees are a diverse range of Queensland men and women who, through their talent, determination, curiosity, and empathy for others makes Australia in 2018 a kinder, healthier, fairer and smarter place to be.

On behalf of the people of Queensland, Kaye and I thank you – our honourees – for making it so.

You may come from different backgrounds and fields of endeavour, but you all demonstrate values that Australians hold dear – care for others, tolerance, community service, courage, and a sense of fair play, to name but a few.

Among your numbers are educators, lawmakers, researchers and academics, scientists, designers, sports-advocates, community volunteers, industry and cultural leaders.

In many cases your actions have been selfless – and they continue to be selfless.

Perhaps, at times you have felt overlooked for your efforts, or that the amount of energy you have given has not been rewarded in equal measure.

I do hope that today’s celebration is a welcome recognition of your many years of work, particularly since it was your fellow citizens who bestowed your award nomination.

This is a day to take pause, reflect upon your efforts and welcome Queensland’s gratitude.

Kaye and I urge you all to wear the symbols of recognition you have received with pride, so that others around you may be inspired by your actions and accomplishments.

For those posthumous honourees, for whom family and friends stand in place, an award today may seem bittersweet.

But I encourage you all to recognise such gestures as being important reminders that our achievements in life are gifts that are ongoing and far-reaching.

On behalf of the people of Queensland, I thank you all for the invaluable contributions you have made, and continue to make, to our State, and I look forward to joining you after the ceremony.

Congratulations, and please continue to enjoy your special day.