By Deanne Jeffers
QUEEN Elizabeth II passed away on Friday morning, aged 96. Her Majesty the Queen was the longest serving monarch and the only sovereign most of us have ever known.
Her son Charles has ascended to the throne. King Charles III made his first televised address Friday, where he remembered his mother and pledged service to Britain and the Commonwealth.
Tributes have flown since the news of the monarch’s death.
“The Queen was always the epitome of grace and duty, serving her subjects for an extraordinary seven decades. The Queen was a remarkable woman, who was held in the highest esteem by all Australians,” said Wendy Lovell MP in a statement.
“I wish to express my deep sadness at Her Majesty’s passing and send my sincerest condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family.”
Federal Member Sam Birrell MP also reflected on her Majesty’s visit to the region in 1954 which was one of 16 to Australian shores during her reign.
“Many still fondly remember the Royal Tour in 1954 that included stops in Shepparton, Tatura, Echuca and Rochester, the first Australian visit by a reigning monarch,” Mr Birrell said.
“Queen Elizabeth was 27 years-old when school children lined the streets of our towns catch a glimpse or wave as she passed by, it is remarkable that she continued to serve dutifully for the next 68 years.”
Residents who would like to record their condolences may do so by contributing to Parliament’s condolence book established at Sam Birrell MP’s office.
“I invite people across the electorate to honour her Majesty and write a message in the condolence book set up at my office.”
“It will be sent to the Governor General to be recorded in the national archives,” Mr Birrell said.
Mr Birrell’s office at 426 Wyndham Street will be open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday for people to record a message.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also announced a public holiday for a National Day of Mourning on September 22.
