Shortest day of the year

11 Sep 2018

At 9.30 am on 21 June 2018 – the shortest day of the year – thirty one members from Albany Creek Probus Club set off on a Brian’s Bus Charters coach from Wruck Crescent, Albany Creek.  The destinations were Government House, lunch at Broncos Leagues Club and the Roma Street Parkland. 

On arrival at Government House, members were met by staff members and ushered into the Investiture Room where they enjoyed a delightful morning tea.  Soon afterwards, Allaina, Aid to the Governor, showed a video which explained some of the activities of the Governor, the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, who hosts or attends some six hundred and twenty functions/events each year; also how some seven thousand people go through the gates each year.

While Allaina was addressing the members, His Excellency joined them and spoke to members for several minutes. He explained his role as the representative of Queensland’s Head of State, Her Majesty The Queen, and told members about his official duties where he is authorised and required to execute all matters which pertain to the office.  He was gracious in what he told the members about his official duties and answered several questions from members.

Members were then broken up into two groups with Volunteer Michael looking after one group and Volunteers Anna and Beryl looking after the other one. 

The whole of the public areas of the House were visited by the two groups and the Volunteers gave much information about the history of the building, its contents and surrounds.  (The whole area on which the House sits comprises fourteen hectares – four in buildings and ten in bushland).

The photo depicts two flags which on the day of the visit were flying gracefully in the slight breeze.   The one on the left is the  Governor’s standard which comprises a Union Jack with a white roundel in the centre featuring the badge of the State of Queensland, a light blue Maltese Cross, surmounted by a Royal Crown and surrounded by a garland of laurel leaves.  If the Standard is flying at Government House, on a vehicle or at an event (for example a country show or a sporting fixture), this indicates that the Governor is present.  The flag on the right is the Queensland flag.

Members left Government House much enlightened and appreciative of having been able to see and hear first hand about an important Queensland landmark which is heritage-listed and steeped in historical, cultural and environmental significance.

Members enjoyed lunch at Broncos Leagues Club which was most enjoyable, we having been catered for in a special part of the dining area.

Michael then took members to the Roma Street Parkland which covers sixteen hectares of colourful subtropical gardens, lawns and water features, all of which are adjacent to the Brisbane Transit Centre and the Roma Street Railway Station. 

Many of the members could remember when this area was the Queensland Railways Shunting Yard. 

Again they were broken up into two groups – one which went further into the higher area of the Parkland and the other not so far away.  Our very knowledgeable guides – Harold and Andrea – were able to tell members about and show us many features of the area which is open to the public 24/7 every day of the year. A most enjoyable visit. 

Members arrived back at their departure point at 4.30 pm after enjoying a great outing thanks to Don’s organisation and Michael’s excellent driving through mostly heavy traffic.