Visit to the Lowood SES Branch

Good evening, I am very grateful for the opportunity to visit the Lowood branch of the SES tonight.

I thank the Mayor, the Commissioner and everyone from the South Eastern Region for their attendance.

I particularly acknowledge the members of the Esk, Kilcoy, Toogoolawah and Lowood SES branches for taking time to be here tonight, especially those members – Mr Daniel Giddins, Mr Hayden Smith and Mr Kyle Sutton – who were with Merryl Dray on the evening of the 25th February.

One of the great privileges of being Governor is visiting the regions to support and acknowledge people who represent the best aspects of our State.

There is no doubt in my mind, members of the SES exemplify those characteristics we value most as a community - courage, altruism, and of putting others before the self.

Merryl Dray, your much-loved colleague, exemplified those characteristics.

Like all of you, she did not expect anything in return when she joined the SES in Kenilworth in 2017, or the many other community organisations she generously gave her time to, or when she transferred to Lowood in 2020.

She joined because she cared so much about others, and she wanted to strengthen the bonds of her community.

This she achieved in life, and now, through the strength and support of you all, she will achieve in death.

I thank the local community and the entire SES family for their love and support of Merryl’s family and colleagues at this difficult time.

To all SES members, thank you for honouring the courage and sacrifice of all volunteers and emergency service personnel through your continuing contributions.

You make me very proud to be the Governor of Queensland. 

I am deeply regretful I cannot make Merryl’s funeral on Saturday, but I wanted to come here tonight, to honour Merryl’s legacy, and to thank and acknowledge you for your service, on behalf of a grateful State.