Official Visit to Sunshine Beach State High School

Mayor, Councillor Tony Wellington; Principal, Mr Grant Williams; students and teachers. Good morning. Thank you for that wonderful welcome to your School and the stirring National Anthem from the Wind Symphony.

I at once thank Mr Colby Moon for the Welcome to Country, and further extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders of the traditional owners of these lands.

There is clearly a lot of school pride here at Sunshine Beach State High School, which no doubt sustains your excellent reputation for high achievement – your student leaders clearly carry out their leadership duties exceptionally; I look forward to shortly presenting badges to the Student Executive Team.

Kaye and I feel very welcomed and it is our absolute pleasure to be here this morning.

As Governor of Queensland, I perform a number of different duties.

Part of my role is in fulfilling constitutional formalities as Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in Queensland. I meet regularly with our Premier and Ministers to inspect and sign important documents. I also work in a ceremonial capacity, welcoming visiting leaders and dignitaries to Queensland, and celebrating the achievements of our citizens by conferring honours and awards.

But I must say, one of my favourite parts about being Governor of Queensland, is visiting, with Kaye, so many different parts of our great State and connecting with so many people.

Speaking of connections, I know you are very proud of your music programme at this School, and I was delighted to read of the successful music tour to Yeppoon last year. Kaye and I visit the Capricorn Coast next week; Yeppoon, like parts of the Sunshine Coast, endured savage bushfires at the end of last year. I think it is wonderful for students to regularly meet and learn from students in other parts of Queensland; such interaction invariably strengthens our State.

Visits like this one to Sunshine Beach State High School are always a highlight on Kaye’s and my calendar.

Why? Because our State is more than the physical space and land that we meet on, more than our industries and laws; our State is an incredible place to live and work because of our people.

Students, in years to come, you will think back on your school days with fondness. Perhaps your parents and teachers have said to you before that your school years may be the best of your life.

Well certainly school is a time when you fill your heads with knowledge, expand your horizons, and form lasting friendships. And I heartily encourage you to do all of these things!

I note your school motto is “quality in all we do”. This is certainly an admirable goal to strive for both here at school and in your broader lives.

To all students, I encourage you to reflect on that motto. Do your best at everything you do, and thereby you will succeed.

I wish you all an invigorating and rewarding school year, but especially to the Grade 12 students. You are all a great credit to this School, and to the wider community. Thank you.