Honours and Awards within the Australian Honours System Investiture Ceremony I

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

 It is with great pleasure that Kaye and I warmly welcome you to your Government House for today’s Investiture Ceremony.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present with encouragement to their young emerging leaders.

May I begin by congratulating all our recipients and commend you on your achievements, which we are honouring today.

Investiture ceremonies such as this one are one of my favourite duties as Governor of Queensland. Too often our headlines are filled with what is not going well in society; moments such as this where a cross-section of our community comes together to celebrate achievements remind us of the hard work that all too often goes unseen.

I am heartened to read and hear your commendations, and to see the diversity of fields from which you come. Community services including veterans’ support, medicine and healthcare, humanitarian services and charities, church and advocacy groups, organisations that support youth, housing, education, sport, music, journalism, tourism and innovation.

Collectively you are here as representatives of your community who have gone above and beyond, who have excelled, be it in technical excellence, compassion and generosity of spirit.

And while I am hardly surprised by the diverse fields for which Queenslanders have been recognised with these honours, I am humbled by those in this room of people before me who have dedicated their time and energy to the service of and betterment of their communities and of others.

Today we live in a highly connected world where information is at our fingertips. We can know what places on the other side of the world look like with a simple search, we can read and translate books from ancient libraries instantly, we can solve friendly family dinner table disputes with relative ease. But do we know our neighbours? Do we recognise those in the community who are in need? Do we stop to find out more from a person experiencing difficulty and hardship?

Workers and advocates in our communities such as yourselves are of huge importance. You serve as points of human connection, bringing people together, looking beyond your personal needs and desires to help build stronger and more connected communities, dare I say, you help make this world a better place for all.

You provide space, structure and inspiration within your communities to help us remember and find the true value in being part of something greater than ourselves.

Your hard work inspires us, and others in the community, to serve in whatever capacity we have to offer. I say to you well done! And urge you to continue your good service.

To that end I encourage you to wear the symbols of your achievements with pride so that others may be inspired by your example.

I think it also fitting to pay special thanks and acknowledgement to your guests: friends, family, loved-ones and supporters. You are also deserving in our very great thanks and appreciation for you are part of a network that guides, supports and assists our recipients.

I am sure that it has been with your support our recipients have had the opportunity to excel. Thank you.

In concluding formalities, I invite you to enjoy the hospitality of Government House and encourage you to talk to your fellow recipients as you celebrate your collective achievements.

Thank you.