Biloela Emergency Services Reception

Thank you, Mayor Ferrier for your kind welcome and introduction this afternoon.  

May I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

I’m delighted to be back in the Banana Shire, which happens to have played host to my very first regional visit as Governor in November 2021, when I visited Baralaba State School just three weeks into my term. Today, however, is the first opportunity Graeme and I have had to visit Biloela, and what a warm welcome we’ve received.

I was told ‘everyone says g’day with a smile and a nod’ here in Biloela, and so far, that is proving true!

It’s our great honour to be able to host you all this afternoon and meet so many of the region’s dedicated first responders – and may I thank those of you who have travelled to be here with us, from Moura, Theodore, Baralaba, or just down the road at Thangool.

One of my central commitments as Governor is to visit Queenslanders where they live and acknowledge the efforts of people like yourselves who contribute so selflessly to our communities and help keep us safe.

You stand at the ready, willing and prepared to respond at a moment’s notice to people in need.

Yours is a noble yet difficult mission. Whether its attending road crashes, battling fiery blazes, maintaining law and order, or otherwise responding to calls for help, you do so with courage in the face of danger; calmness in the face of crisis and an unwavering dedication to serving your community.

In times of emergency or disaster, it is immensely reassuring to the people of the Banana Shire to know that they have such a well-trained and competent group of professionals and volunteers primed for immediate action whenever and wherever their expertise is required.

I know that the Council, too, is active in disaster management and prevention, and I wish to also acknowledge their efforts.

You all make our State proud, and as Governor, I am glad to have the opportunity to express on behalf of the people of Queensland our gratitude for the superb work that you do.

I would also like to extend my thanks to your families and loved ones, because I know that they, too, make sacrifices in order that we are kept safe, and I want them to know how much this is appreciated.

Thank you all for joining Graeme and I this afternoon, and we wish you every personal and professional success here in the wonderful Banana Shire. We can’t wait to explore more of it in the coming days.