Order of St John Investiture and Presentation of St John Ambulance Service Medals and Bars

Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St John and Chancellor of St John Ambulance Australia Mr Cameron Oxley; Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St John, Professor John Pearn AO; CEO of St John Ambulance Australia, Mr Brendan Maher and CEO of St John Ambulance Queensland, Mr Peter Maher OAM; Members of the Order of St John; postulants; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and any First Nations people with us this evening.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House this evening for this important annual ceremony and, as Deputy Prior and Dame of Grace of the Order of St John in Queensland, I begin by congratulating the three postulants who will be admitted as confrères of the Order tonight and the 9 St John Ambulance officers who will be awarded their service medals and bars.

It is very pleasing to be able to invest new members of the Order and present service awards to ambulance officers in the same ceremony because it reminds us that the ambulance service exists today, around the world, only because of the foresight of members of the Order of St John in England, almost 150 years ago.

At that time, the safety of workers in the mines and railways of industrial Britain was not a priority and accidents were frequent. In this situation, the Order saw a need and responded by founding a service to teach first aid.

That function has remained at the core of the St John Ambulance ever since, as has the white, eight-pointed cross of the Order under which both confrères and ambulance officers serve. As the international symbol of first aid and an enduring emblem of humanitarian care, the cross has remained unaltered for centuries.

I am honoured tonight to acknowledge the dedicated service of 9 Queensland St John Ambulance officers. The professionalism and compassion you demonstrate every day is a great source of comfort and reassurance for the community, and I commend and thank you for your commitment, selflessness, and dedication to providing this vital service.

Whether you are teaching or providing first aid or delivering urgent care in emergencies, your contributions embody the core values of St John—humanity, compassion, and service, and I thank each of you for the care and comfort you provide while safeguarding the health and wellbeing of your fellow Queenslanders.

The medals and bars you are receiving today are a testament to the countless hours you have devoted, to your unwavering dedication, and to the difference you continue to make, and, on behalf of all those whose lives you have touched, I thank you.

To our three new confrères, I extend a very warm welcome to the world-wide fellowship of 25,000 members of the Order. With its roots deep in the history of knighthood and chivalry, the Order is committed to promoting Christian unity, practising charity and undertaking projects to support to those in need. May you always act with compassion, humility, integrity and respect for all.

I once again congratulate the service awardees and new confrères on the honours and awards you have received today. You truly exemplify the best of humanity. Thank you.