Dinner with Inspiring Queenslanders in the United Kingdom

Good evening, all.

Graeme and I are so pleased you could join us this evening, and along with the Deputy Commissioner of Trade and Investment Queensland in Europe, Mr Warren Bartlett, we welcome you all most warmly.

This dinner gives us the chance to meet some of the amazing Queenslanders who are blazing trails in the UK and beyond, and who are representing our State so admirably.

We find it very uplifting to hear your stories of success—exemplifying, as they do, the unique enterprising spirit that defines Queenslanders.

Your efforts benefit the broad sectors of finance, trade, business, industry, academia and the arts, and while your roles and specific fields vary, it is this very difference that highlights the tremendous scope and vitality of Queensland’s capabilities, and how much value is being placed on innovative thinking.

Whether you are relative newcomers to the UK, or have vast international experience, you each bring immense drive and passion, which, together with your outstanding credentials, highlight the depth of talent and expertise we have coming out of our state.

All of this helps me in my own role, because as Governor, one of my key responsibilities is to further Queensland’s stellar reputation across areas including trade and culture—and I thank you for being excellent ambassadors!

Tomorrow, we leave for Paris—to cheer on our brilliant athletes at the Olympic Games—but our time in the UK has been incredibly productive.

Yesterday, Graeme and I were honoured to meet His Majesty King Charles III, at Sandringham. We presented The King with a framed photograph, taken in 1974 when he was mustering cattle in Eidsvold in the North Burnett. His Majesty was particularly thrilled to receive this gift, as he has always held great affection for our state—named, of course, after his 3 times great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. 

Queenslanders certainly are making their mark here, which helps strengthen the connections being forged across all industries, including international trade and development, and I take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated service of Trade and Investment Queensland in the UK and Europe, represented by Mr Bartlett, who also organised this evening’s delightful dinner.

 All of you here demonstrate the importance of expatriate networks, and I am so pleased to see Queenslanders—where-ever they are—supporting each other and leading by example.

So, I thank you most sincerely, for your contributions to the sterling reputation of our State, as Graeme and I wish you all ongoing success.