Luncheon in Support of Vice-Regal Patronage Organisations August 2019

I extend to you all the warmest of welcomes to Government House.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands around Brisbane and extend respectful wishes to Elders and emerging leaders.

It is fitting that we gather today in this tranquil Pavilion setting, which Kaye and I use to recognise outstanding achievement and service to the community.

Achievement and service to the community are the common threads that bind together the thirty or so Queensland organisations attending this luncheon.

Today’s groups represent long-established clubs which provide marvellous tangible and intangible benefits to their members, groups devoted to highlighting and encouraging the importance to communities of agriculture and horticulture, and organisations that explore, share knowledge of and encourage respectful engagement with our natural environment.

They include organisations that celebrate the extraordinary contributions of women to our communities, and others that promote productive relationships with Queensland’s overseas partners and international organisations.

And they include the Order of Australia Association, which promotes our prestigious national awards and provides opportunities for awardees to get together and work together.  

Today’s is the fourth such event we have hosted at Government House, bringing together organisations of which Kaye and I are proud Patrons.   

My goal today is simple.

One is to provide an opportunity for organisations to network, share knowledge and experience, forge or deepen relationships and, ideally, discover fresh insights that benefit our communities.

The other is to thank you.   

You represent a remarkable network of remarkable people who strive every day to make our State a richer place in every sense, an even fairer, more compassionate, informed, beautiful and sustainable place for this generation of Queenslanders and those to come.

That is a formidable task, but it is one whose challenges you and your colleagues take on with great dedication and determination.

As Patrons, with Kaye, of every organisation represented here today, and on behalf of the people of Queensland, I extend my deep appreciation for the gifts of time, energy, and commitment to excellence that you give daily to communities all over our wonderful State.

I ask you to convey our thanks to all those who work with you, along with our best wishes for continued success.

Please take full advantage of this networking opportunity, and of our Government House hospitality!

Thank you.