North Queensland Investiture Ceremony, 10 July 2024
Representing the Townsville City Council Mayor, Councillor Kristian Price; representing the Commander, 1st Division and Deployable Joint Force, Australian Army, Bar Commander, 3rd Brigade, Brigadier David McCammon DSM; representing the Queensland Police Service Commissioner, Detective Acting Superintendent Jason Brosnan BM; representing The Order of Australia Association, Mr David Jackson OAM; representing the Bravery Association Queensland, Lieutenant Commander Anthony Martin RAN; 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 their connection to land and community. I pay my deepest respects to Elders past, present and emerging – especially during NAIDOC Week – a week that celebrates our rich Indigenous heritage and honours the resilience, pride, and vibrant culture of our First Nations communities.
I am delighted to be back in beautiful Townsville on my 9th official trip here, with this visit made even more enjoyable by our special Investiture Ceremony this morning.
As the representative of King Charles the Third in this state, it is my duty—but also my great privilege—to present awards and honours to deserving Queenslanders who have achieved at the highest level, and whose efforts do so much to help others.
Whether you are civilians, or are in uniform, you have each served in your own ways, displaying a powerful sense of integrity, and the desire to make a genuine difference.
Your contributions demonstrate that courage reaches deeply into our communities, and is not solely expressed by acts of valour—incredible though these are—but is also shown by stepping forward selflessly, to take on challenges.
For those serving in our armed forces and police service, bravery is a fundamental and essential part of your roles. You face potential difficulties each and every day, with a willingness to put your own wellbeing on the line to support others—always ready to respond to confronting situations, should they arise.
You also bring remarkable initiative to your work, ensuring that at the same time as effectively solving problems, you are aware that compassion and understanding are also required, so that those around you feel valued, encouraged and inspired.
The qualities you bring to your roles are not only highly valued, but strengthen and motivate the forces you serve.
And for those civilians who have been honoured with bravery awards today, you have been prepared to put yourselves in danger to ensure the safety of others, and in doing so, have also helped prevent the escalation of life-threatening situations into much larger crises.
This demonstrates quick-thinking, and a form of decisive leadership that, fortunately, is rarely called upon in regular life, but relies on resourcefulness underpinned by a tremendous strength of character.
I firmly believe that in our regional areas particularly, the contribution of individuals has an incredibly broad reach that extends beyond the obvious. Smaller communities rely on the efforts of those who have exceptional drive, but who also have strong links to others—and a profound knowledge of the places they call home.
The selfless service of each of you, is what helps make our communities more connected and more resilient. Your achievements set a standard to which others can aspire—which makes our state and nation become richer, more inclusive and more tolerant of the differences between us.
As role models, I therefore encourage you to wear your pins and medals with pride, to spark conversations around your achievements that may, in turn, prompt others to strive for betterment, and act with courage.
On behalf of the people of Queensland, and particularly those of the Townsville and the wider North Queensland region, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who are receiving awards today—and to the loved ones who have supported you in your endeavours.
Congratulations everyone!