Speeches
Tuesday, 24 May 2022
Reception to mark Victoria League Day
I warmly welcome you all to Government House to celebrate Victoria League Day, on the 203rd anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth.
It is my great pleasure to be your patron and to host you this evening.
As you would be well aware, the only British monarch to reign for longer than Queen Victoria is the sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II, whose Platinum Jubilee we celebrate this year.
Her Majesty has demonstrated life-long and exemplary service to Australia and the Commonwealth.
She is a remarkable woman who is an inspiration to so many of us.
Upon her coronation, she publicly devoted her life to the service of her people, and she has remained steadfast to this declaration.
In her 70 years as sovereign, she has demonstrated outstanding calm, steady resolve, empathy, faith and optimism.
These qualities have shone through during the past 2 years, where she has been a beacon of stability for the Commonwealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her Majesty has promoted friendship and unity across the Commonwealth of Nations, a goal the Victoria League shares and has pursued, with vigour and determination, for 120 years.
From its origins in South Africa during the Boer War in 1901, the Victoria League spread across the Commonwealth, establishing itself in South Australia a decade later.
In recent years, the Victoria League has experienced a challenge familiar to many organisations with Royal links established in the same era – an ageing membership.
In spite of this, I am very impressed to see the League maintains its active aid work, funding several projects in countries such as Uganda, Tonga and Kenya, as well donating to the Red Cross Flood Appeal.
I thank you all for your commitment to supporting the people of developing Commonwealth nations, as well as Australians in need.
I am confident your contributions are greatly appreciated.
Friends,
I hope I will see you all at our upcoming Open House on the afternoon of Sunday 5 June, to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
You will be able to peruse memorabilia from the Queen’s visits to Government House, enjoy scones and tea on the veranda, and even see a light show on the front of the house at nightfall, celebrating Her Majesty.
There are flyers available this evening, and also on our website.
I wish the League all the best for the future and thank you sincerely for providing a valuable link to Australia’s early heritage, and to our continuing ties with the British Monarchy, and with the Commonwealth of Nations.