April 14, 2021
Invited guests enjoyed afternoon tea with the Queensland Governor at a special reception held at Kingaroy Town Hall on Friday afternoon.
His Excellency Paul de Jersey AC, who lived at Coolabunia as a child, was in the South Burnett to officially open the Nanango Show on Saturday.
He told his guests he was delighted to be making his first official vice-regal visit to Kingaroy.
“Most Queenslanders need no introduction to your famous town,” he said.
“We grow up knowing that Kingaroy’s peanuts are the best quality in the world – and I have no doubt my visit to the Peanut Company tomorrow will confirm as much!
“The iconic silos that greet tourists represent this town’s tremendous spirit of enterprise and industry.
“Indeed since its earliest days, Kingaroy has prospered from the enormous efforts of a hard-working community.
“The region’s fertile soils and ideal climate have seen it develop as one of the State’s key food production areas.
“We regularly and proudly serve high quality produce from the South Burnett on our dining table at Government House, including our house sparkling wine from Clovely Estate just north of here.”
He said this prosperity did not come without challenge and effort.
“Droughts, floods and fires – not to mention a pandemic – deleteriously affect incomes and batter resolve.
“Overcoming these limitations requires optimism, drive and passionate fellowship.
“Today, I see myself surrounded by people with these qualities. Your combined efforts are reflected in the extensive range of agricultural, business and tourism enterprises currently being undertaken in the region.”
Governor de Jersey presented South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto with copies of a book, “The Governors of Modern Queensland” written by journalists Madonna King and David Fagan, published by the University of Queensland Press.
The book, which has a foreword by Governor de Jersey, explores the experiences of the five living Vice-Regal representatives: Leneen Forde (governor from 1992-1997), Peter Arnison (1997-2003), Quentin Bryce (2003-2008), Penelope Wensley (2008-2014) and Paul de Jersey (current).
It features interviews with these governors, all living Queensland Premiers and also captures the views of 80 regular Queenslanders about the governor’s role.
Copies of the book were also given to attendees at the afternoon tea and will also be placed in all South Burnett libraries.
Governor de Jersey also visited Pottique Lavender Farm during his brief visit to the region.
