Honours and Awards 2023 Dinner

Good evening, it is such a pleasure to welcome you all to Government House for this evening’s very special dinner.

I would like to 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.

Graeme and I are delighted to spend time with such an amazing group of people—giving us a chance to learn more about your achievements, and congratulate you, once again, for your tremendous efforts.

Last week when I presented you with your Australia Day Honours and Awards, I was inspired by the incredible sense of service to community that propels each of you in your various endeavours.

Regardless of what you do, and where your energies are directed, I know that it requires immense dedication, and intensive work to improve the lives of others without any expectation of recognition or accolades in return.

This service to community is what our country’s volunteer system relies on, and with National Volunteer Week ending two days ago. it is timely I pay tribute to those of you who generously give of yourselves to help others, and create positive change.

Thank you all, once again, for being such remarkable Queenslanders, and for making our state a more enriched, capable, safe, and inclusive place for all of us.

And, thanks also, to the supportive family members, friends and colleagues in your lives—including those joining us at this table—for ensuring you are able to follow your dreams.

One of my roles as Governor is to promote our wonderful State, and in support of that role, our Head Chef here at Government House prepares dinners that showcase the very best ingredients that Queensland has to offer.

Our benchmark is to feature Queensland-sourced produce as the main element on at least 90 per cent of our menus for official functions, but such is the variety and quality of our State’s local produce, we are currently sitting at 100 per cent.

The Government House cellar is also now stocked exclusively with Queensland wines and even our coffee blend has been crafted especially for service here at Government House by Brisbane-based company The Coffee Roaster using 40 percent beans grown by Queensland company Dimbulah – all part of our commitment to supporting local producers.

So, I do hope you enjoy the tastes of Queensland that have been prepared for you this evening, as all of us here at Government House show our deep appreciation for your service to our State.

Thank you.