North Queensland Investiture Ceremony - 17 May 2022

I begin by acknowledging our official guests; Mayor of Townsville City Council, Councillor Jenny Hill, Representing the Commander, 1st Division and Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, Australian Army, Lieutenant Colonel David Silverstone; Representing the Commissioner, Queensland Police Service, Deputy Commissioner Paul Taylor APM, Representing the Queensland President, Australian Bravery Association, Ms Kirsty-Lee Brown, Representing the Chair, Order of Australia Association, Mr David Jackson OAM

May I aslo acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands around Townsville, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba people, and extend respectful greetings to Elders, past, present and emerging. I would also like to extend my respect to any First Nations people here with us today.

 Today, I congratulate the award recipients, and welcome your families, friends and colleagues. Today we are celebrating a very special occasion.

 I am delighted to be back in beautiful Townsville, and it is made even more delightful to be back that I get to celebrate with you all such outstanding accomplishments.

It was only recently – at the Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony – here in Townsville that I was able to I congratulate the winners of the 2022 Australia Day Awards, and here many of you sit, with your community as your witnesses, having been recognised for your outstanding achievement and service.

 Having just heard the citations for today’s recipients, I have no doubt that you consider these ceremonies to be celebrations not only of – but with – the community.

Distinguished recipients, while not all your citations explicitly mention community, it is within the essence of your achievements; and the support of those around you.

There are individuals who have contributed to the community through charitable organisations, asbestos awareness and through a variety of state and local organisations.

Then we have those who have made remarkable contributions to communities via music, public service, sport and medicine. I acknowledge also the contribution made to the military, one of the greatest sacrifices of all.

Of course, for all of you, your successes have come at a cost – be it sacrificing your time, a physical toll, or personal risk – and for your unwavering dedication we thank you.

At this point, I feel it is also appropriate to recognise your family and friends who have provided you with steady encouragement and love along the way. I am sure you are very grateful that their assistance has helped you achieve so highly in your fields.

Please, do not lock your awards away but wear them with pride — and in doing so motivate others. I am truly inspired by what you have achieved, and recognise that, through your dedication and sacrifice, you have made your community, and the greater community of Australia a better place to live

As the Queen’s representative in Queensland, I am honoured to have presented your awards in person today, and unreservedly congratulate you.

Now, it is with great pleasure that I invite you to enjoy the hospitality and take this time to bask in being the focus of your well-earned community admiration.

Thank you.