Luncheon for Vice-Regal Humanitarian and Youth Patronage Organisations

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished as you all are, Kaye and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House for today’s luncheon, acknowledging just some of the more than 160 organisations of which we are the proud Patrons.

This is the first of five such luncheons we plan to host this year, where we have the opportunity to thank you personally for the wonderful work you have done – and indeed continue to do – across our great State, today in the areas of children and youth, and the humanitarian and welfare sectors.

In all, more than 20 organisations are represented here this afternoon.

Your dedication and commitment help bring Queenslanders together. Your work is uniting and uplifting.

I am very pleased to say this sense of spirit is currently on full display across the State as communities continue to recover from bushfires and floods.

I saw it firsthand in Townsville last Friday, and tomorrow I will visit Julia Creek, Hughenden and Richmond to offer my support and recognition and gain a better understanding of the challenges being faced – still especially raw in the north west.

While care and compassion for Queensland communities are at the very heart of the response to these natural disasters, they also drive the work of your organisations, each and every day.

And so, we recognise you – men and women who selflessly serve our communities.

As Patrons of the organisations you represent, Kaye and I strive to support, encourage and inspire you in all you do.

Queensland has a rich tradition of Vice-Regal patronage, and it continues to be a central theme of this 26th Governorship.

Importantly, this relationship works both ways, and we thank you for allowing us to visit your organisations to witness the work you do, to meet your many volunteers, and to acknowledge the people you support.

While many of you will have met previously, please take the opportunity to introduce yourself to others in the room, learn what their organisations are doing, and consider how you might possibly collaborate to further enhance your services.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, Kaye and I thank you most sincerely for joining us today, and for the work you do – for the difference you make – for the people of our State.

I also acknowledge the staff, volunteers and supporters who make all this possible.

We are privileged to be your Patrons, and will continue to do our utmost to support your organisations, which are all so very worthwhile.

Thank you.