His Majesty’s remarks at the Community BBQ, Parramatta Park

Premier and Mrs Minns, Deputy Premier and Mr Hull,

And Matthew Doyle for the moving welcome onto the beautiful lands of the Dharug people on which we’re gathered today.

Thank you very much for that very kind introduction - I knew I should have brought the egg timer with me to check I didn’t go on too long. 

Having visited Western Sydney on a number of occasions over more than fifty years, from Liverpool to Richmond, it is always a particular pleasure to return to the neighbourhood. That, if I may say so, is why I am so delighted to be here, in Parramatta – an excellent choice for a Community Barbecue, since Parramatta was a place where First Nations people from around the region also came together for generations to meet and to trade food.  It is a particular delight to see and smell all the “top tucker” here today, from Western Sydney’s vibrant and diverse community.

Ever since I first came to Australia very nearly-  can you believe this, sixty years ago, to attend school in Geelong, and also to hack my way through the bush country around Mansfield, in Victoria, the generous spirit of Australians has always made me feel welcome, and that is true again today.  So my wife and I are really glad to be back in Sydney, but especially pleased to be here in Parramatta for the first time.

It is also a great joy to renew my long association with the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales which, for more than two hundred years, has carried out such outstanding work to champion the farming community and the production of the highest quality produce. As we are happily rediscovering today, New South Wales farmers continue to produce truly outstanding food and wine.  It is no wonder, I think, that Sydney is world famous for its cuisine, whether it’s smashed avo, a pav, or a Cab Sav and that is what I hope has been on display!

It is a real pleasure today not just to have a chance to try this produce but also, crucially, to meet the people who make it happen – working tirelessly in all seasons and all weathers and developing an intimate understanding of the importance of caring for Nature and making it part and parcel of their endeavours. 

So being here in Western Sydney also gives me an opportunity to see at firsthand what I have heard about before: and that’s that Parramatta and the region around it has become one of the most dynamic, enterprising and culturally diverse communities in the world.

I just particularly want to acknowledge the community leaders and volunteers who are here today, and who contribute so much to Western Sydney and beyond.  As I said when I was in Australia back in 2012, our volunteers are the glue which holds together such a diverse, energetic and determined society. I always have the greatest admiration for them and the wonderful work they do for their communities.

So, thank you, everyone, for coming to join us at this barbie today. And, more particularly, thank you for the contribution you make to your local communities, and beyond.

Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen.