Australia Day 2025 Flag Raising Ceremony

Premier; Members of Parliament; Acting Mayor and Councillors; Service Chiefs and Australian Defence Force personnel; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys.

I thank Corporal Chris Morgansson and Mr Francis Tapim for sharing with us their Acknowledgement of Country, and I join with them in also acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and paying my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

I also thank the people of Townsville for so warmly welcoming us to this beautiful city once again.

As Governor of Queensland, I am honoured to be part of this very special Flag Raising Ceremony, held here in recognition of the military significance of this region—and represented so magnificently this morning through the involvement of the Australian Defence Force Royal Guard of Honour 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion and Band of the 1st Battalion.

I pay tribute to all the men and women of our armed forces, who serve our country with bravery, and those who have served in the past. Their actions remind us that our strength of togetherness as a nation relies on the efforts of many, not just a few.

Through good times and bad, it has always been our sense of connection, the drive to pull together and support one another, that stands out.

And this generosity of spirit makes me so very proud to call myself an Australian, and Queenslander and an Australian.

In a world where we are seeing the tragedies of conflict impact so many, Australia Day gives us all the opportunity to reflect on those most precious of our national commodities—peace and freedom.

It enables us to rejoice in our achievements as a nation, and to consider how we can do more to help others—to show respect for our differences, and to enjoy the advantages our diversity offers us.

Whether we live in the bush or at the beach, in a remote desert community, or a major metropolitan city, I know we each share a passion for the place we call home.

For inspiration, we can draw on the past, and the knowledge and insights our First Nations people. We can also look to individuals in our contemporary communities who exemplify the characteristics and actions we value.

I make special mention here of the local winners of Australia Day Awards— whom I will meet later this morning and who do so much to enhance Townsville’s credentials as a place that values not only excellence and achievement in fields such as sports, the arts, science and business, but also care and compassion in the community.

As we prepare for the Australian National Flag, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, the Queensland flag and the Townsville flag to be raised and fly high together, I wish to thank each of you for taking part in today’s ceremony, and for your essential contributions to the good fortunes of our State and Nation. I wish you all a fulfilling year ahead. Thank you.