Official Visit to the RAAF Base Amberley

Thank you, Group Captain Carty, for your warm welcome today.

This is Graeme’s and my second military-related visit to Ipswich in three days.

We were delighted to join the Group Captain and so many former and current service personnel on Saturday at the centenary celebrations of the Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall.

Both events – Saturday and today – are powerful reminders to us of the important role the RAAF Base Amberley plays in the life of this community, and in the defence of our nation.

We are genuinely grateful for the opportunity to come here today, especially as Australia prepares to send Defence personnel to the Solomon Islands, to thank you all for your service.

There are two additional points of significance to my visit today.

Firstly, I am honoured to accept the invitation to become the Honorary Air Commodore of the Number 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron.

I had my uniform fitting on Friday!

Secondly, it is a great honour to come here to acknowledge members of the Royal Australian Air Force during your centenary year.

To recognise this significant anniversary, Government House deliberately chose an Honorary Aide-de-Camp from the Air Force, Flight Lieutenant Tim Daelman, to attend to me during the inspection of the Guard at my swearing-in on 1 November. 

Thank you all once again for your warm welcome today.

I look forward to supporting you all as Governor, and proud Honorary Air Commodore.