Government House Reception to Celebrate Christmas

The 22^nd Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Leneen Forde AC; Representing the Queensland Cabinet, Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, the Honourable Amanda Camm MP; Your Honours; Commissioners; Acting Director-General, Mr David Mackie, Commander Rosmarie Apikotoa; Colonel Ashley Gunder and senior Defence representatives; faith leaders; Dean and members of the Consular Corps of Queensland; distinguished guests; friends, ladies and gentlemen.

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

On behalf of Graeme and myself, and all the staff here at Government House, welcome to Fernberg for our special Christmas celebration.

I know that this time of year can be incredibly busy, so I’m glad to have this opportunity to thank you all for your outstanding service to the people of Queensland.  Your collective efforts are making such a big difference to the welfare and wellbeing of people in this state.

As leaders in your various fields and endeavours, you are each connected by the driving ambition to improve the lives of others by making our public institutions, public services, and not-for-profit organisations more responsive to the diverse needs of Queenslanders.

The festive season allows us to pause and reflect on the year that was.

For me, 2024 has been an immensely productive year—with November the 1st capping off three years since I was sworn in as Governor—an anniversary that this year also happened to coincide with the swearing in of our new State Government.

A few weeks ago, I presided over the Opening of the 58^th Queensland Parliament, an occasion of significant constitutional and ceremonial importance that exemplifies the weighty responsibility — and great privilege — of high office.

This event was doubly special so for me personally. My mother, who had been unable to attend my swearing-in as Governor, came from interstate to share the experience with me.

However, by virtue of my position, I can confidently say that each event I attend is special in its own right.

And so far during my term as Governor, I have attended or had an official role in some 2,841 civic, ceremonial and constitutional engagements.

This has included active involvement with most of my 171 patronage organisations—many of whom are represented here tonight. And it has only been possible with the help of more people than I can thank in one sitting, save to say that I’m thankful every day that I am surrounded by people equally committed to service of our state.

Graeme and I have travelled near and far—including to Paris to cheer on our Olympians, and to China as part of the celebrations for the 35^th anniversary of our sister-state relationship with Shanghai.

And we had an audience with His Majesty King Charles the Third at Sandringham, a great honour and a magnificent opportunity to represent all Queenslanders.

And while these overseas engagements were of vital interest to our State, both economically and in regard to our future as an Olympics host, my focus has for the most part been firmly on life in Queensland, where I have now visited 50 of our state’s 77 local government areas.

Each time I visit a community—whether it be urban or regional—I am struck by the grit, passion and pride of the local people, and their devotion to supporting whatever matters most to them.

I have very much enjoyed working in close partnership with organisations committed to making Queensland a healthier, fairer and more inclusive place to live, work and raise a family.

Notably, they include Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Arthritis Queensland, Guide Dogs Queensland and Multicultural Australia, who have co-hosted regular community bushland walks and other events here at Government House, helping me to open up the Fernberg Estate as a place for all Queenslanders.

Regardless of the specifics of our interactions throughout the year, I draw strength and encouragement from your efforts, your commitment, and your determination.

I wish you and your loved ones a restful, joyful and safe Christmas, as Graeme and I look forward to joining forces with you again in 2025.

Thank you.