General News
12 September, 2022
Maryborough remembers Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II’s death has revealed the reach and impact of her 70-year reign across the globe, including locally, with residents reflecting on her rule — and the time she visited Maryborough. The Queen died peacefully at her Scottish estate...
Queen Elizabeth II’s death has revealed the reach and impact of her 70-year reign across the globe, including locally, with residents reflecting on her rule — and the time she visited Maryborough.
The Queen died peacefully at her Scottish estate last Thursday afternoon, marking the end of the UK’s longest serving monarch.
Her Majesty and the late Duke of Edinburgh visited Maryborough on Friday, March 5, 1954.
The royals arrived by train at the Maryborough Railway Station and according to The Advertiser at the time, were met with nearly 9000 adults and children waiting for them at the platform.
Her Majesty did not leave the train as a result of a polio scare but despite this, The Advertiser wrote of the occasion as “probably the most momentous occasion in Maryborough’s 100 years of history”.
The Queen visited Victoria a total of 11 times and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Elizabeth II had always been an inspiration and symbol of hope.
“Queen Elizabeth II served with grace and uncompromising dignity – she raised the bar and blazed a path for women in power to follow,” he said.
“And through many of our darkest hours, through war and catastrophe, her steady hand and unwavering strength stood as a symbol of hope and assurance when it was needed most.”
News of the Queen’s death sent ripples of sadness across the world, with many reflecting on the conduct and leadership of Her Majesty since her coronation at the age of 25, including Maryborough resident Joan Watts.
A handmade model of the Queen’s coronation carriage has been sitting proudly in Ms Watts’ home for decades, a model that was crafted by her father over 80 years ago.
The model depicts the royal family’s Gold State Coach which has been used at every coronation since 1821 and Ms Watts said her parents, who were both 10 pound poms, loved the Queen.
“The model would be over 80 years old,” she said.
“Both my parents were poms, they loved the queen and dad was very good with his hands — I don’t know exactly why he made it, but it was something he was proud of.
“I’ve owned it since dad died and I’ve kept it in the cabinet to protect it from dust and also to be able to see it.
“It’s definitely something that’s special to me and my brother because dad made it and because of our family history.”
Ms Watts said she, along with many others were saddened by the Queen’s passing and described Her Majesty as a “true lady”.
“I think everybody was saddened by the news of the Queen’s death — she was a true lady,” she said.
“I’ve always been proud of the Queen, she was someone to look up to for people everywhere.”
Once news of Her Majesty’s death reached Maryborough on Friday, it wasn’t long before every Australian flag in town was flying at half mast and local piper, Bradley Saul, played the bagpipes at
McLandress Square at midday in tribute.
Ms Watts’ connection to the royals doesn’t stop there, with her son Steven receiving his Australian Fire Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list last year.
He was awarded for his work in combating bushfires internationally and his efforts in advocating for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
“His father before him was a firefighter and I’m very proud of Steve for everything he’s done,” Ms Watts said.
With the Queen’s funeral to be held on Monday (8 pm AEST), Australians will be given a one-off public holiday next Thursday, September 22.
