Premier of Victoria, The Honourable Steve Bracks and Mrs Terry Bracks

Leader of the Opposition Mr Robert Doyle

The Lord Mayor, City of Melbourne The Right Honourable, Cr John So and Mrs Wendy Cheng

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

I wish to also acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we gather this morning, the Kulin Nation, and I pay my respects to their elders.

It is with much pleasure and with a sense of pride that both Lynne and I join you, our fellow Victorians, at Melbourne’s Town Hall on this most significant day. And it is very heartening to see such a large crowd despite the oppressive heat! Testament surely to the esteem in which we all hold this National day of celebration. Personally, today is an especially meaningful Australia Day, as it is my last as Governor of this wonderful State. Next year, Lynne and I will be celebrating Australia Day in a very different manner! However, certainly with no less enthusiasm! I wish to take this early opportunity to congratulate my successor, Professor David De Kretser, on his appointment as Victoria’s 27th Governor. I have no doubt that Professor De Kretser and his wife Jan will serve Victoria with distinction and that they will find the role as enjoyable and fulfilling as Lynne and I have. Australia Day is of course an opportunity to celebrate what is great about Australia. And as Lynne and I reflect on the last five years, it has been the wonderful opportunity to participate in, to experience, and to witness first hand so much that is great about this country and her people, that will remain the highlight.

When visiting each of Victoria’s 79 Shires and municipalities, we have been reminded that our landscape is fragile and extreme, yet bountiful and unique in its beauty. Whether along ocean coastline, through rain forests or arid terrain; Quaint towns or historic cities, we have derived much joy and excitement. We trust all Victorians continue to nurture and treasure our environment for current and future generations. In meeting thousands of Victorians from all walks of life, we have been constantly reminded, through countless examples, of the freedom and democracy we enjoy. Of what it means to people and what it can help achieve; of their humour and their openness; of their egalitarian spirit; of cultural richness and diversity. We have been impressed, inspired and deeply humbled by the generosity of individuals and communities throughout Victoria.

The spirit of volunteering has once again been evident in recent days as bushfires destroy homes and farms and continue to threaten rural and regional areas, it is very much the courage and assistance of our volunteers that we rely on. Our thanks go to the Country Fire Authority and all those who are battling these fires. And our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected in areas including Halls Gap, Moondarah, the Brisbane ranges and King Lake.

As Australians, we come from all corners of the globe, each striving and sometimes struggling, with dreams, and with aspirations of improving our prospects for the future. We boast countless examples of individuals who, having made Australia their home, have accomplished so much and who collectively, have significantly contributed to shaping our national identity.

I encourage all Victorians, as we celebrate all that is great about Australia, to also pause and to reflect on the privileges and the freedom that we enjoy. The privilege that it is to be Australian. To those Victorians who become Australian Citizens today, we congratulate you. We also congratulate the Victorian recipients of Australia Day Honours. I encourage everyone today to participate actively in the many celebrations on offer throughout Melbourne and Regional Victoria. And should you find the time, Lynne and I would be delighted to welcome you to our home which is open for your enjoyment today.

Happy Australia Day!!!!!