The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship in WA - Centenary Dinner

Saturday 26 September 2009


by His Excellency Dr Ken Michael, AC
Governor of Western Australia



Julie and I are pleased to join you this evening to celebrate the centenary of The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship in Western Australia.

As Governor, I am also pleased to continue the tradition of being Patron of The Victoria League in Western Australia.

My wife Julie’s role as Honorary President also follows a tradition dating back 100 years, when the inaugural meeting of the Western Australia Branch of the League was convened at Government House on 27 September 1909 by the Governor’s wife, Lady Edeline Strickland, who then became the League’s Foundation President.

So we both feel especially privileged to be with you at this very significant and historic celebration and we thank you for your warm welcome.
 
As we know, during her reign, Queen Victoria presided over and had a significant influence on major changes that were taking place in the world in areas such as industry, science and social welfare. And this century has also been an era of change for the Victoria League, which was established in her memory in 1901, for "the promotion of closer union between the British people living in different parts of the world”.

The Victoria League was enthusiastically established in Western Australia in 1909 with its purpose to work in unity – for “hospitality, friendship and assistance” without distinction of race, colour, religion or political views.

For over 100 Years, the League has responded positively and energetically – providing friendship, support and comfort to those in need in both this State and abroad. In doing so, it has become an important service organisation, making a significant mark for itself through the achievements of its members.

It has stood firm in its tasks of rallying members in response to community issues, making sure that assistance was given to those in need.
 
It has welcomed visitors to Perth, provided formal introductions, given simple home comforts such as knitted socks, cakes and other sought after items to soldiers through two world wars. It has also assisted many young students and child migrants in countless ways.

The League has provided, and continues to provide, the avenue and opportunity for many Western Australians to apply their energies and abilities to good and charitable works.

One of the most impressive aspects of the League is the gracious leadership, civic values and commitment that League members have displayed over the years, knowing that this was so willingly backed up by the practical actions and goodwill of the people of Western Australia, especially in times of hardship.

The last 100 years have been times of great change in this State – Perth has changed, the people have changed, coming from an ever larger range of nations to settle here, and the projects that community groups have undertaken have also changed with the times.
 
If the League is a bastion of tradition, it has also shown itself more than capable in its ability to adjust itself to the changing needs of the times over an entire century.

While membership numbers varied greatly over the years, in common with other community and service organisations in Australia and overseas, the League continued to be active in initiating significant projects in a challenging and changing environment.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the loyal and dedicated members – past and present – of the Victoria League for ensuring that, throughout these times of change, the League continues to follow the principles, purposes and charitable work for which it was established and for which it is known, continuing, as it does, to foster links with Commonwealth countries and contribute to the social and political development of this country, and particularly this State.
 
This centenary year is a very special occasion to celebrate and remember the positive values and traditions of Australia’s British cultural heritage and their role in shaping the Australian community we enjoy today. It is a time to reflect on the past to understand and appreciate the present and to look forward to the future with much anticipation and confidence. Although political, civic and social structures may change over time, community with its ideals, shared values and commitment remains a solid foundation on which the future can be built.

The Victoria League has stood, and still stands, for those ideals that were put into action in so many practical ways that mean so much to people – settlers, visitors, servicemen and women, and young people in our community and beyond our nation’s geographic boundaries – for 100 years here in Western Australia.

So, Ladies and Gentlemen, on that reflective thought would you all please rise, on this special centennial occasion, for a toast to the prosperity of the Victoria League in wishing it all the very best for the future:

“To the prosperity of the Victoria League”