Mundubbera State College

North Burnett Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Les Hotz and CEO Ms Margot Stork; Councillor Susan Payne; Principal, Mr Peter Townsend, staff, parents and carers, boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we gather and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging and the many proud First Nations people here today.

My husband, Graeme and I are very excited to have this chance to be here and meet with you all.

One of the best parts about being Governor is visiting Queenslanders where they live and connecting with so many different people – and schools are some of my very favourite places to visit.

I think that is because every time I visit a Queensland school, I learn so much more about our State and its people.

And every time I meet amazing teachers, staff and students like you, I learn more about what it is to be a Queenslander.

One of the wonderful things about Queensland — and a key to its success — is its diversity, and it’s clear that diversity is a big part of the success of your school, too!

To look around this hall and see the flags representing all the different cultures represented in this room, reminds me just how lucky we are to live in such a special place, where diversity and togetherness go hand in hand.

And today, I understand Graeme and I have the very special privilege of unveiling your four new flagpoles, that will proudly fly the flags of our Indigenous peoples alongside the Australian flag, and today, the Governor’s Standard, signifying my presence here.

I am proud that one of my first actions as Governor, and newest steward of Government House – which has been the official residence of Queensland Governors since 1910 – was to install four new, permanent flagpoles flying the Australian, Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, prominently positioned at the front of the Estate.

In my view, those flagpoles, and indeed, the flagpoles here at your wonderful College that we will soon unveil, emphasise the importance of recognition and reconciliation.

They also allow everyone who visits to see the flags and learn about their meaning and significance. They are important symbols of the enduring strength of our Indigenous peoples and culture.

Now, when I see those flags fly outside our home at Government House, I will also think back to my trip here, and the four flags flying outside of Mundubbera State College, which Graeme and I will soon have the immense honour of unveiling.

Thank you all for your warm welcome and for inviting us to be part of such a special occasion.