Afternoon Tea for First Responders

Former Premier of Queensland, the Honourable Rob Borbidge; Commissioners of the Queensland Police, Ambulance and Fire and Emergency Services; board members, staff, and supporters of Queensland first responder organisations; ladies and gentlemen.

 

I acknowledge the traditional custodians of these lands, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and extend my heartfelt respectful greetings and best wishes to Elders.

 

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House this afternoon.

 

We are especially pleased to see so many volunteers here – from the State Emergency Service, the Red Cross, and the Rural Fire Service.

 

A very special welcome to you!

 

 

 

When I was sworn in as Queensland’s 27^th Governor last Monday, I made a pledge to serve, acknowledge and support all Queenslanders, wherever they may live.

 

However, I also singled out as warranting special vice-regal acknowledgement, Queensland’s healthcare workers and emergency services personnel.

 

To that end, on Friday, I visited the operational base of LifeFlight Australia, and just yesterday, I thanked staff and volunteers at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

 

I made a commitment when sworn-in to visit every public hospital in Queensland – now might be a good time to disclose to the staff at Government House, there are, I think, 179 of them! Graeme and I look forward to a busy five years!

 

I am delighted that one of my other first acts as Governor is to throw open the doors of Government House to welcome you all today.

Today’s attendees come from a truly diverse collection of organisations, from government agencies to non-government entities, charities and private businesses.

 

However, you are all united by a commitment to serve the people of Queensland – through disaster preparedness, maintaining community safety, providing first aid, responding to natural disasters and enhancing community resilience.

 

On behalf of the people of Queensland, I thank you for your contributions to our State.

 

I know that you are all well-prepared for whatever natural disasters come our way this summer, as you continue to uphold the finest traditions of service for which your organisations are renowned.

 

Thank you.