Far North Queensland Investiture Ceremony 23 May 2024

Representing the Leader of the Opposition, Ms Yolande Entsch; Cairns Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Amy Eden; HMAS Cairns Commander Alfonso Santos CSC RAN; Representing Chair of the Order of Australia Association, Mr John Hardy OAM; award recipients, your family and friends; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. I welcome those First Nations people here today, whose knowledge and culture enrich our understanding of the diverse Far North Queensland region.

I am so delighted to be back in beautiful Cairns, for this morning’s very special Investiture Ceremony.

As the King’s representative in this State, it is my duty, but also my great privilege to present Australian Honours and Awards to a group of outstanding Queenslanders—people who put others before themselves, and are passionate believers in the power of community.

Meeting such altruistic, capable individuals is a true highlight of my job as Governor, and so today I congratulate each of you, and thank your families and friends who have supported you in your endeavours.

You have demonstrated a level of commitment that transcends the norm—whether this is through service to the Royal Australian Navy, the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Corrective Services, our state’s Public Service, or Surf Life Saving Queensland, or by building deeper and stronger connections within communities in diverse and beneficial ways.

Significantly, you have each been recognised by your peers as worthy of recognition at the highest level, and this is what makes our country’s wonderful system of awards so unique and so meaningful.

I think it is fair to say, that what underpins your achievements is a readiness to face challenges with fearlessness and determination.

t their most extreme, these can be life-threatening, and I pay tribute to those individuals with us who have placed themselves at risk to help others.

You have faced adversity with courage, and overcome complex problems with enthusiasm.

Such leadership does not just take expertise and skill, but also requires outstanding compassion—the ability to be able to understand the needs and requirements of others, while empowering and inspiring those around you.

Yet, I know, that you are also not afraid to take on many varied roles to achieve such improvement. Your citations demonstrate incredible ingenuity and resourcefulness, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves to get things done.  

This is especially vital in the smaller rural and remote communities, where your efforts are felt even more keenly than in the larger metropolitan regions. Your work with veterans, community and charitable groups, in sport and recreation, and with local Councils, is creating more vibrant places, where people feel supported and valued.

It is so important we celebrate these achievements, because in your own ways, you are promoting a more inclusive state, and nation.

While I know many of you are unused to the limelight, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity to be publicly rewarded.

You represent the best of our state, highlighting how individuals can make a lasting positive difference, with an effect that is felt much further afield than you might imagine.

As role models, I encourage you to wear your medals and pins with pride, because it is important that those you meet in your day-to-day lives are motivated by your stories.

On behalf of the people of Queensland, the communities of Pormpuraaw, Yungaburra, Mount Isa and Karumba, and the entire Tropical Far North, I extend my sincere gratitude and my heartfelt congratulations.

I look forward to chatting with you over morning tea.