Farewell, our Queen

There will be several gatherings, commemorations and tributes for everyone to pay their respects to the Queen, after we woke to the sad news of her passing on Friday morning, as well as share their own reflections and memories.
AUSTRALIA will hold a National Day of Mourning to observe Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday, September 22.
It will be a National Public Holiday to commemorate Her Majesty’s remarkable life and dedication to service.
A much loved and respected figure, the Queen passed away last Thursday, and her State Funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19.
The first reigning monarch to visit Australia, Queen Elizabeth II was greeted by an unprecedented crowd of more than one million people when she set foot for the first time on Australian soil in 1954 – the first of 16 visits.
King Charles III has now been proclaimed as Australia’s head of state.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the Government and the people of Australia offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are grieving for a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother – the person whom for so long was their greatest inner strength.
“With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, an historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end,” he said.
“Australian hearts go out to the people of the UK who mourn today, knowing they will feel they have lost part of what makes their nation whole.
“There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’.”
The young Princess Elizabeth became Queen of England at the age of 25 after the death of her adored father, King George VI, in 1952. Her Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. She was the longest-reigning British monarch.
Cumberland RSL sub-Branch is deeply sadden to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “Her dedication was faultless and her commitment to duty unrivalled,” a spokesperson said.
“She exemplified selfless leadership, public service and left great legacies of dignity.”
Granville & Districts Soccer Football Association’s Operations Manager Rosanna Lentini said she was in shock.
“Like everyone else I knew she was old and frail, but it felt like she would be around for ever, but sadly her passing was inevitable. I am sure she will be sadly missed,” she said.
Auburn Basketball Centre Manager Dawn Burke says there will never be another woman like her.
“It’s a loss to women everywhere; she was the figurehead of women in the workforce, all of our lives,” she said.
“She had a terribly hard job but kept her cool after all of her family’s issues, she did the best she could and will always be remembered.”