By Mikayla van Loon
After a 70-year reign of strength and grace, Yarra Ranges residents, public officials and emergency services have honoured Queen Elizabeth’s service in a flood of messages and tributes.
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at her Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday 8 September, aged 96, after an announcement doctors were concerned for her health.
The news has sent ripples of emotion throughout communities, with a poignant statement from Premier Daniel Andrews saying “very few of us know a world without The Queen in it.”
“Her presence spanned countries, cultures, language, and continents – her reign transcended decades and generations,” he said.
“And like no monarch before her, she captured our hearts and our affection. We treasured her and the entire world respected her.”
The longest reigning monarch left an impression on both people of the Commonwealth and the world, but it was the glimpses in local communities that inspired people.
Travelling to the Yarra Valley with the late Prince Phillip in 1954, the pair passed through Lilydale and Mount Evelyn before making the final stop in Warburton.
Remembering and honouring Queen Elizabeth’s legacy, Mount Evelyn RSL’s piper Iain Townsley played a series of laments, while Chris Thiele laid a bouquet of flowers at the base of the Australian flag, which stands at half mast, on Friday 9 September.
“The President and members of Mt Evelyn RSL are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
“A truly remarkable lady who gave her all for her country and the Commonwealth over her 70 year reign. From her service in World War Two, to swearing in the new British Prime Minister just days ago, our sovereign’s commitment to duty never wavered.”
With people hearing the call of the bagpipes, commuters and passersby stopped to listen in what they said was a lovely tribute and celebration of a life well lived.
CFA brigades, RSL clubs and Yarra Ranges Council alike have taken to lowering the Australian flag to half mast across the shire as a sign of respect and protocol.
“Her seven decades on the throne was a model to the world on how to serve one’s people with grace, dignity and dedication. Our deepest condolences to the Royal Family,” Montrose Fire Brigade posted on social media.
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence also took to social media to pay her condolences to the Royal Family and the broader community.
“Her Majesty the Queen served with grace and distinction for 70 years, during times that really tested our world including wars, natural disasters and a pandemic,” she said.
“Also the only woman in the royal family to have served in the armed forces in World War II. An inspiration.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was the first to address the Australian people and in the words of the Queen herself said “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
“From the moment the young princess became Queen, shouldering the mighty weight of the institution into which she was born, Her Majesty made dedication to duty and service above self the hallmark of her reign,” he said.
“She celebrated our good times, she stood with us in the bad. Happy and glorious but steadfast too. In particular, we recall the sympathy and personal kindness she extended to Australians afflicted by tragedy and disaster.
“Throughout it all, she was a monarch who let her humanity show, performing her duty with fidelity, integrity and humour. In this, she was supported so long and so lovingly by the late Prince Philip, her “strength and stay” for 73 years.”
Queen Elizabeth was said to have been surrounded by King Charles III and the Queen Consort in the moments before her death.
The King said in a statement, released by Buckingham Palace, it was “a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.”
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
Flags across the country will remain at half mast until the day after the Sovereign’s funeral which will be in 10 days time.
