The Queen's message following the bushfires across New South Wales

The baton relay represents a calling together of people from every part of the Commonwealth.

You have endeared yourselves to the international Commonwealth community, showing them a State of professional excellence, generosity and goodwill.

I have seen the fortitude, ingenuity, and determination of the people of Brisbane to overcome the setbacks of last January.

The presentation of Colours is a special opportunity to recognise the past achievements, to give thanks for commitment and loyalty today, and to express confidence in the...

Australia has flourished and achieved excellence on the world stage.

It is my duty to seek to remain true to the interests of Australia and all Australians as we enter the twenty-first century.

Australia has an enviable record at the Commonwealth Games.

Tonight we celebrate the value of sport as a means of bringing together people from seventy-one nations and territories.

Australia in the course of my lifetime has firmly established itself amongst the most respected nations of the world.

It was universally agreed that the Opera House was something more than a performing arts centre, more than a great work of architecture.

Twice within the span of a single generation, Australia and Britain stood side by side in two of the bloodiest wars in human history.

It is our very diversity which makes the Commonwealth strong.

We have both been struck by both the diversity as well as the dynamism of Australia, and the vigour and humour of Australians everywhere.

Whatever may lie ahead, I declare again here tonight that my admiration, affection and regard for the people of Australia will remain, as it has been over these past fifty...

More than ten thousand men and women can take great pride in the parts they have played in the creation of this symbol of Australian unity and democracy.