Townsville Investiture Ceremony

Townsville City Mayor, Councillor Jenny Hill; representing Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service, Acting Assistant Commissioner Glenn Morris, Northern Region; representing the Order of Australia Association – Queensland Branch, Mr David Jackson OAM; award recipients, your family and friends; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the lands around Townsville, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba people, and pay respect to Elders, past, present and emerging. I extend my respects to any First Nations people here with us today, and warmly welcome all recipients and their guests to this special ceremony.

 Before I continue, I would also like to acknowledge the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II – our beloved monarch for a remarkable 70 years – and the accession of our new sovereign and Head of State, His Majesty King Charles III.

Graeme and I are always delighted to visit Townsville, but today is particularly special because I have had the privilege of formally presenting 10 inspiring North Queenslanders with the honours they have been awarded under Australia’s system of honours and awards.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Investiture Ceremonies conducted in regional centres is the wide range of awards represented.

Australia’s system has 58 different honours and today, I am proud to have presented decorations for awards including:

• the Conspicuous Service Cross and the Conspicuous Service Medal which are both awarded for achievements in non-warlike situations, and the Distinguished Service Medal earned through leadership in warlike operations;
• the Public Service Medal, which is awarded to federal, state and local government employees for outstanding service;
• the Emergency Services Medal and the Australian Corrections Medal awarded for distinguished service through our emergency services and our prison system;
• and the Medal of the Order of Australia, awarded to people who make an exceptional contribution to their communities;

Together, these honours demonstrate the enormous depth of commitment that North Queenslanders have given – and continue to give, to their communities, our State and our nation, and I congratulate and thank each of you for the contribution you have made to building an Australia that is safer, stronger, more cohesive and more resilient.

The Australian system gives national recognition to men and women for their achievements and is unique in the world for the egalitarian spirit that underpins it – any Australian can nominate any other citizen for awards under the Order of Australia, and the men and women in our defence force or other services can nominate their peers.

What this means for today’s recipients is that you can – and should – wear the medals you have received with both gratitude and pride because they signify the recognition and respect of your fellow Australians.

As Governor, I am privileged to speak for all Queenslanders, and on their behalf, I congratulate and thank you, and also recognise and thank your families, friends and colleagues who have provided you with encouragement and support in achieving your success.

I now invite you all to relax and join us for refreshments while I enjoy the opportunity to speak to each of you personally and congratulate you on your achievement.

Thank you.