Official Visit to St Helens State School

Mr Mayor; Deputy Mayor; Principal, Ms Burns-Atkinson; students and staff of St Helens State School.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the land, and thank Butchulla Elder, Mr Glen Miller, for his welcome to country. 

It is my absolute pleasure to visit your school today and later, to present the Student of the Week awards!

Maryborough is a very special place to me. 

I went to school here myself as a boy. It was a little while ago now! Alas, I did not go to school here at St Helens, but down the road at the Albert State School. Still, I remember Maryborough with much fondness and am sure that you will grow up to think kindly of this wonderful Queensland city, too. 

As Governor, I represent our Head of State – Her Majesty The Queen – in Queensland.

There are many important functions that a Governor must do to fulfil the role. Among the most enjoyable are visiting schools like yours around Queensland.

Alongside my wife, Kaye, I have been very fortunate indeed to visit many cities, towns and regions around Queensland.

From the outback to the coast, north to south and east to west, we have travelled extensively around our state meeting with many people, including school students such as yourselves.

I know that this year has been tricky for many people. From not being able to attend school, to remembering our personal hygiene and physical distancing, this year has been full of twists and turns.

And while it seems we will all have to live with COVID-19 for the time being, I also know that we Queenslanders are a strong people.

As I stand here before you, I see that you represent the future of our State. No matter what you choose to do in life, the resilience and hardiness you have learned this year will help you to face the future.

And with you, I know that Queensland has a very bright future indeed!

Kaye and I very much look forward to enjoying the instrumental performance, and to reading an important story – about Gavel, the Vice-Regal Dog who could – to the year 2/3 class.

Before that, I shortly have the great honour of presenting 13 Student of the Week awards. Thank you all for welcoming us to St Helens State School.