Queensland Country Women’s Association Christmas Party

State President, Mrs Sheila Campbell; State Secretary, Mrs Marion Vannucci; Queensland Country Women’s Association members; ladies and gentlemen.

I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and extend greetings to Elders, past, present and emerging.

Shortly after I was sworn-in as 27^th Governor, exactly one month ago today, one of my first duties was to turn my mind to accepting vice-regal Patronages.

With hundreds of organsiations to assess, this had the potential to be a daunting task!

But one Patronage request I accepted without any hesitation was from the Queensland Country Women’s Association.

I see many parallels between my priorities as Governor and the important work of the QCWA.

Like me, QCWA members are committed to the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders – despite the amount of cream we sometimes put on our scones! I tend to use more than the recommended medical dose!

Like all members, I am also deeply committed to supporting women and families especially in regional communities.

I very much look forward to getting out and about in Queensland, and to meeting QCWA members across the vibrant network of regional branches.

I am especially pleased that my time as Governor and Patron will coincide with the QCWA’s centenary year in 2022.

In the 99 years since my predecessor Governor Sir Matthew Nathan championed its formation, the Queensland Country Women’s Association has become a source of pride, inspiration and comfort for all Queenslanders.

Graeme and I very much look forward to joining QCWA members at special centenary events across the State, and to welcoming many others to Government House throughout the year.

Thank you again for inviting me here tonight.

I will shortly have the great honour of presenting to our State President a special certificate of Patronage.

I wish you all a very safe and Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year. Thank you.