Afternoon Tea in Support of the 2021 Girl Guides Annual Awards

State Commissioner, Mrs Kathryn Pearson; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; our wonderful Girl Guides and their supporters.

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather and extend greetings to Elders.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Government House to celebrate the Girl Guides Annual Awards.

Today, the 23rd of April, also happens to mark the date in 1946, when Sir Leslie Wilson, our longest serving Governor completed 14 years in office.

In recognition of devoted service to Queensland, Sir Leslie and Lady Wilson were farewelled by 2,000 Girl Guides and Boy Scouts assembled to form an outline of the map of Queensland.

Lady Wilson was an ardent supporter of the Girl Guides and had been the organisation’s State President for many years.

She clearly recognised the importance of nurturing self-respect and confidence in young women – attributes which are essential to the mission of Girl Guides Queensland.

As current Patron, I too am extremely proud of this organisation which has established and supported Girl Guide Units throughout the State for over a century. These Units are important places where Queensland girls and young women can safely have fun and be challenged.

I am also proud to continue the long-standing vice-regal links to Girl Guides – heritage which is described in the latest Government House publication, ‘The Governors of Modern Queensland’, which Paul launched last month.

I am very glad to confirm, you will all receive a copy today as you depart Government House.

Now, I see before me 38 self-assured, community-minded women.

Guiding has provided you with the opportunity to explore and test yourself. But most importantly, it was you who decided to take up the challenge of striving for the highest level of recognition. 

You understood that by stepping outside of your comfort zone, you could learn new skills and enjoy new experiences.  

A true personal challenge will always involve moments of self-doubt.

But because of your diligence and determination, coupled with the unfailing support of your Leaders, peers and family, today we can celebrate your tremendous achievements.

I would like to commend the State Commissioner and the Girl Guides Queensland family, for your ongoing dedication to the organisation, and to the girls and young women of Queensland.

I congratulate all Awardees recognised today. May you continue to live by the wisdom set out in the Guide Law, as you advance your journey as community leaders.

Thank you.