The King's Birthday Gala Black Tie Dinner 2024

The Order of Australia Association, Queensland Branch, Chair, Mrs Ronda Nix OAM; The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship in Queensland, Chair, Mr William Willcocks and President, Mr Barry Dineen; 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 to all First Nations people here this evening.

Graeme and I are delighted to be here with you, to celebrate the official birthday of Australia’s Head of State, King Charles III.

As Queensland’s Vice-Regal representative—and Patron of the Queensland branches of both The Order of Australia Association and The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship—I am proud to be part of an annual tradition that brings together these two organisations, both of which do so much to strengthen our bonds with each other, and the world.

Much has changed since June 2022, when I last joined you at this special event. In September of that year, we lost our beloved Queen Elizabeth II, after her mighty 70-year-long reign, and in the following May we welcomed a new King and Queen, with a spectacular coronation ceremony that I was very fortunate to attend on behalf of Queenslanders.

While this heralded a new chapter for the Royal Family, their Majesties serve with the same deep sense of duty, compassion, and respect for the traditions that we have come to expect from our monarchy, as they dedicate themselves tirelessly to public life.

While ill health has tempered the King’s activities in recent months, His Majesty is a staunch supporter of many charitable organisations, including the more than 20 he has himself helped to establish, and he has always been a strong advocate for the causes that resonate in today’s world.

In a few days’ time, His Majesty will be in attendance at the Trooping the Colour, which has marked the Sovereign’s official birthday for over 260 years!

This commitment to honour tradition underpins our monarchy, but it also serves both of the organisations hosting us here tonight.  

The Order of Australia Association Queensland tirelessly promotes our country’s unique awards system in this state with passion and commitment, staying true to the foundational objectives established back in 1975.

And The Victoria League honours its more than 120-year history, by upholding the ideals of friendship and understanding across the Commonwealth, as it has done since its beginnings.

Traditions such as these build stability, encouraging a sense of belonging that is grounded in the past, but has a firm eye on the future. Most significantly, they support the tremendous contribution of individuals, to both the vitality and success of our communities, and to how we view ourselves as a nation.

It is in this spirit, we extend to King Charles III our very best wishes for his official birthday, and our warm thoughts as he continues his road to recovery. 

I also thank everyone here this evening for the beneficial work you do, and congratulate the organisers for making this event so memorable. Please enjoy your evening.