Celebrating International Volunteer Day

Volunteering Queensland President, Mr Brett Johnson; Government House Volunteers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

 

Graeme and I are delighted you could join us this afternoon. 

 

I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and extend greetings to Elders, past, present and emerging.

 

As Governor, and newly appointed Patron of Volunteering Queensland, I am truly honoured to have this opportunity to acknowledge our State’s incredible volunteers. 

 

Since 1985 when the United Nations established International Volunteer Day, we have been coming together in Queensland to celebrate the extraordinary contribution volunteers make to our world.

 

This year’s theme - volunteer for our common future - reminds us that working together is just so crucial to building a brighter future for everyone, and that through volunteering, people from all walks of life can be involved in this worthy goal.

 

Volunteers play such a vital role in our State – whether it is cleaning up after floods, caring for the elderly, supporting young readers, lending a hand with children’s sport, promoting the arts, helping our environment or assisting in our hospitals.

 

These touch on a just few of the myriad of places you will find these generous Queenslanders giving so selflessly of their time and expertise.

 

I particularly thank the volunteers who are here today, including our fabulous Government House Volunteers.

 

Graeme and I have quickly learnt that without our Volunteers and their detailed knowledge of the history and the workings of this magnificent heritage building, we would be unable to share Fernberg so successfully with the broader community.

 

I also acknowledge the important and far-reaching impact of Volunteering Queensland, an organisation which is always ready to match generous people with those requiring help. I look forward to shortly presenting the President with a certificate of Patronage.

 

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I sincerely thank Volunteering Queensland, the other community organisations present today and all our volunteers both with us and those active in every part of our State.

 

I personally draw enormous inspiration from you all, and I will always be grateful for the contribution you make to the safety, health and happiness of Queenslanders. Graeme and I now welcome you to join us for afternoon tea and we both look forward to hearing more about your rewarding work. Thank you.