Launch of the Government House Children’s Book, ‘A Place For All Queenslanders’

Ladies and gentlemen, teachers and students from Ashgrove State School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Bardon, and Oakleigh State School.

I acknowledge the traditional custodians of these lands, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and extend my heartfelt respectful greetings and best wishes to Elders.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House today.

When I was sworn-in two weeks ago, I pledged to use my time as Governor to promote literacy, especially for young girls and Indigenous Queenslanders.

I think it is just so important for our children to be able to read and write – it is a window to a better future.

Graeme and I also want to ensure that as many Queenslanders as possible – young and old – feel welcome here at Government House.

I am, therefore, delighted to host this special book reading and launch the latest Government House publication, a children’s book called ‘A Place for All Queenslanders’.

The book follows a day in the life of two squirrel gliders who live in a nesting box in a big tree outside the Governor’s Study.

They are excited by all the wonderful things which happen here.

But our squirrel gliders are most excited when the Governor welcomes them inside Government House!

I won’t spoil all the surprises now – but our squirrel gliders do peer through a window to see lamingtons being made!

If our students are well behaved today, they may be able to sample some lamingtons later this afternoon, freshly made using the original Government House recipe!

I thank Wendy van Rosmalen, Leigh Coyle and the team at JSACreative for their creative words and design.

I further thank Amanda Letcher for her beautiful illustrations.

Finally, today provides me with the perfect opportunity to announce I am delighted to accept vice-regal Patronage of the following organisations dedicated to protecting Queensland’s natural habitats and fauna, and to sharing the joy of reading: the National Trust of Australia, Queensland Branch; and the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Queensland Branch.

Thank you all for your attendance. It now gives me great pleasure to launch ‘A Place for All Queenslanders’, and to read it publicly for the first time.