Ceremony A - King's Birthday Australian Honours & Awards Investiture

Representing the President of the Order of Australia Association Queensland Branch, Mrs Irene Cayas OAM; Acting Deputy Official Secretary of Office of the Governor, Mr Scott Allen; award recipients, your family and friends; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

I am delighted to welcome you all to Government House this afternoon for our special Investiture Ceremony, as we celebrate the achievements of a group of truly inspirational people.

This is a significant event in the Government House calendar—and one of my most important and favourite vice-regal duties—because in bestowing these Australian Awards and Honours, I am also offering the gratitude of our entire state.

Each of our recipients today has contributed significantly to improving the lives of others, and although your areas of interest may differ, there is a linking quality that comes through clearly in your citations—and that is one of commitment.

While skills, abilities, and even dreams, can take a person far, these alone cannot make a lasting difference.

Success also relies on a special sort of promise you have each made within yourselves, to serve for the long haul, with unwavering determination.

Such commitment is represented by the characteristics of passion, energy, and courage. It requires never giving up, being prepared to take risks, always thinking of others, and directing your focus towards the positive.

Your citations speak of many years of active involvement—a willingness to share your knowledge, expertise and wisdom more broadly, to be part of organisations, associations, clubs, and churches that can make a bigger impact than the efforts of one individual.

And I note too, that some of you have—yourselves—been founders of such organisations.

Today we honour you for your devotion to the fields of medicine and community health, and to improving the lives of our younger community members.

We pay tribute to your diligence in sport, aquaculture, information systems, business and music; in education and training, the law, local government, philanthropy, and the arts—and to your dedication in creating better outcomes for women, with futures free from harm.

Importantly, we acknowledge your contributions to your local communities—where you have served in multiple capacities, and often through voluntary activities.

It is no surprise too, that while your fields are diverse, there is also significant overlap, which is driven by a deep sense of fellowship— an overarching quest to build something better, to the benefit of all.

Such efforts help create a society that is rich and vital, and that is precisely why your efforts are being recognised today.

Investiture ceremonies, such as this one, are our nation’s way of demonstrating that such commitment does not go unnoticed. Whether you are someone used to being in the public eye, or an individual working quietly in a local community, it is incredibly important we take the time to mark your achievements with dignity and formality.

You are setting an example for others to follow, which is immensely valuable, because such a precedent inspires and motivates. 

I therefore encourage you to continue to wear your pins and decorations with pride, because I know that the stories you share about your own activities, will be tremendously encouraging to hear.

I also thank your friends and family for showing their support.

On behalf of our Head of State, His Majesty King Charles III, I commend you for your outstanding endeavours, and along with the entire Government House team, sincerely congratulate you for all you have achieved.

We hope you enjoy afternoon tea, and this opportunity to be applauded.