Afternoon Reception Recognising Outstanding Queensland Contributors

Leaders of the Australian Defence Force in Queensland; Consul-General and members of the Consular Corps; Directors-General, chief executives and Commissioners.

Kaye and I most warmly welcome you all to Government House this evening, and appreciate the time you have taken out of your busy schedules to join us here. 

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

Aside from offering some famous Fernberg hospitality, our reason for inviting you is simple: to express Kaye’s and my heartfelt thanks for your outstanding and committed service to the people of Queensland.

You stand on some of the highest pinnacles of public service in this State and although your roles and responsibilities differ, I am sure you are well aware that working at such levels – under intense scrutiny – can be as dramatic as it is exhilarating.

At no time is this more evident than when crises strike. Indeed, over the seven years I have been Governor, I have seen Queenslanders endure the dire effects of floods, cyclones, fire, drought, and now a worldwide pandemic.

At these fraught times, people look to their governmental system and community leaders for support, guidance and stability.

I know that Queenslanders are assured by the thousands of employees in our many public service and Defence institutions, in the Consular Corps, and in organisations which represent sector interests. Their daily work, under your capable direction, underpins the stable yet dynamic society we each enjoy.

The leadership you demonstrate through your dedicated professionalism is an exemplar of what it means to ‘work for the greater good’, encouraging others to follow.

Indeed, in my time as Governor, it has been my tremendous privilege to witness first-hand the positive impact serving others has on our communities, whether these deeds and actions influence a few or many.

I speak, I believe, with some authority, as I am reliably informed that up to December 2020, in our travels to almost every corner of this state, Kaye and I had attended more than 1,300 community events and presented 1,940 Australian honours and awards… During one 12-month period, we managed to travel to 70 regional centres!

These interactions, with many thousands of Queenslanders, have highlighted that ‘working for the greater good’ takes immense courage and resourcefulness, and above all, requires a considerable measure of optimism – the ability to look forward with vision and purpose. 

These are the qualities so ably represented by you all, and upon which our State relies for its continued vitality and prosperity.

I commend you for your stellar service to Queensland and, as we look to more positive times ahead, I take great comfort in knowing our future advancement is in such competent hands.