Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony

Premier; Members of Parliament; Mayor and Councillors; Service Chiefs; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys.

Thank you all most sincerely for your warm welcome to Townsville on this annual day of celebration.

I too acknowledge our special guests, and extend my appreciation and respect to the representatives of Australia’s indigenous peoples who have welcomed us to this region, this city, and to this site, with its long indigenous history.

And as Reviewing Officer for today’s ceremony, I thank and commend the 1st Battalion Royal Guard of Honour and Band for their splendid dress, bearing and musicianship.

Australia Day 2019 comes at the end of a series of centenary commemorations of Australia’s involvement in World War I, and the birth of the ANZACs.

It is fitting, then, that we celebrate Australia Day at this Jezzine Barracks site, which bears the name of a battle in which Australians fought.

It is equally fitting that our respect, gratitude and admiration for those who served in our armed forces, and indeed for those who continue to serve, are an integral part of today’s ceremony.

This ceremony also celebrates the remarkable capacity of Queenslanders to build and strengthen their commitment to the progress and well-being of this State, of our vast island continent, and of its communities.

In this, we are supported and encouraged by our values and heritage, mutual respect and support, and a shared aspiration for our State and country to be the very best they can be.

To find marvellous examples of this spirit in action, we need look no further than the individuals to whom I had the pleasure of presenting well-deserved Australia Day Awards earlier this morning.

And we need look no further than the vibrant city of Townsville to find a fine community-wide example of that same energy and commitment.

With our national day early in the year, Australians have the opportunity not only to mark Australia Day, but also to look forward to the coming year.

In that spirit, as Governor of this wonderful State, I wish you all a happy Australia Day, and a fulfilling 2019 that sees Queensland continue to advance and prosper to the benefit of its people.

Thank you.