Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart, has added his voice to the millions throughout the world mourning the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“Like many, I am saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who served her nation and the Commonwealth with complete dedication for more than 70 years,” Hart said
“Central Coast Council joins the world to mourn her historic reign and reflects on her visits to the region.”
In 1954, the 27-year-old reigning monarch made her first visit to Australia with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and toured extensively during a 58-day royal tour.
Together, they travelled on the Royal Train through the Central Coast region as they made their way from Sydney to Newcastle on February 9, 1954.
Thousands of local residents gathered at Gosford and Wyong stations to catch a glimpse of the Royal Train as it slowed through the newly painted and decorated stations.
Hart said as a mark of respect, the Australian Flag outside Council’s Wyong Administration building was lowered to half-mast on Friday, September 9, after the official announcement of the Queen’s death and will remain at half-mast until Tuesday, September 20.
“Following protocol, the flags alongside are also flying at half-mast for this period,” he said.
The day of the National Memorial Service on September 22 will be a National Day of Mourning for Australia and a national public holiday.
Community members are invited to sign a condolence book which will be placed at Bateau Bay, Erina, Gosford, Kincumber, Lake Haven, Toukley, Tuggerah, Umina, and Woy Woy libraries from Thursday, September 15.
If you would like to send a message of condolence online, or read more on Her Majesty the Queen’s deep connection with Australia, go to the Australian Government’s dedicated web page: www.pmc.gov.au/her-majesty-the-queen.
Source:
Media release, Sep 14
Central Coast Council