She's been recognised for her contribution to the people of Queensland but Governor Penny Wensley says it's ordinary Queenslanders who deserve praise.
Ms Wensley has been appointed a companion (AC) of the Order of Australia for her services to the state.
The Toowoomba-born career diplomat is also being recognised for her contribution to Australia's international relations and as a key contributor to United Nations initiatives.
But Ms Wensley said the incredible honour was bittersweet.
"Such recognition would make anybody feel very happy ... but I have to say that with the disastrous rains and floods that have affected Queensland over the past weeks and with so many Queenslanders suffering so terribly from these events, it's very difficult for me to feel any sense of celebration," she told AAP.
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Instead, her mind was turned towards how her office could help Queenslanders in the formidable recovery period.
Ms Wensley said she had been proud to witness the Queensland spirit that had blossomed as three quarters of the state was declared a disaster zone.
"One of the principal roles of the governor in ordinary times is to acknowledge the contribution of people to the community," she said.
"... It will be those hundreds and thousands of ordinary people who just stepped in, did courageous things and helped their neighbours, helped complete strangers (who deserve thanks).
"I think that's a very big task of acknowledgement and thanks to be carried out and I'm determined to do that."
Other highlights in the role were the state's 150th anniversary celebrations and her promotion of areas like the arts, tourism, women's rights and environmental issues, she said.
Ms Wensley was previously Australia's ambassador to France, Australia's High Commissioner to India, and the first female ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations in New York.
In 2001, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her service to the development of Australia's international relations.
