Reception for the Annual Girl Guides Queensland Awards Presentation

State Commissioner, Mrs Kathryn Pearson; Assistant State Commissioner, Ms Amanda Nicholls; Assistant State Commissioner, Dr Natasha Montesalvo; Assistant State Commissioner, Ms Susan Hayes; Chief Executive Officer, Ms Kim Harrington; Ladies and gentlemen; Children.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here.

I am delighted to be with you to acknowledge the incredible dedication and hard work of those receiving Queen’s Guide Awards here at Government House. Your achievements are, in a word, outstanding.

Girl Guides Queensland is a member of Girl Guides Australia and of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, all told a huge organisation that continues to encourage and challenge girls and young women to gain skills that enable them to take on dynamic roles in their communities.

We have all heard the phrase ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’, and being a Girl Guide certainly equips you to both embrace change and to make change where and when needed.

The building of one’s strengths and personal skills translates into the potential to actively engage in a positive manner in what is happening around you.

With almost 5,000 youth Members and 1,000 volunteer Leaders and adult Members, Girl Guides Queensland is a thriving organisation.

Around me I see many strong individuals who all share the belief that through service, many positive outcomes can be realised.

Through guiding, countless young girls and women have learned so much about themselves, and in so doing they have also found ways to support and promote fellow citizens or groups in need.

This is to be applauded.

I am thrilled to be the Patron of such an active organisation, and I commend all who generously volunteer their time and leadership to ensure the ongoing success of the guiding movement.

To those receiving awards this afternoon, a hearty congratulations to you all. We will see awards of the highest order being presented.

You truly are role models, not just within the organisation but to all with whom you come into contact.

Your dedication to personal growth and your service to others are to be admired.

Girl Guides Queensland is immensely proud of you, as am I.