Mackay grocer recalls The Queen's 1970 visit

Queen Elizabeth II has visited Mackay twice in the past

ChrisVella from Vella's Foodstore in Ooralea recalled Queen Elizabeth's visit in 1970. He is pictured with his daughter Rebecca Vella. Picture: Jonathan Reichard

ROYALTY has visited Mackay in the past. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip have passed through twice, on March 15, 1954 when they arrived by sea, and once again on April 16, 1970 when they came by air.

Mackay grocer, Chris Vella, who runs Vella's Foodstore in Ooralea recalled seeing the Queen on her 1970 visit.

"It was at the old airport, mum and dad took us and we stood in Juliet St waiting for the Rolls-Royce to come down. Sir Albie Abbott was the mayor at the time.

"We stood there and waved, she drove down and went past, gave the royal wave. We stood there for ages waiting for the car to come past.

"The town turned out. It was like you see on the TV, people lined the streets to see the royals, waving flags.”

"I was only 10 years old at the time, the streets were full of people, no matter where she went. People just wanted to be a part of it, seeing the royals coming to town.

"Looking back now, I'm glad I went along to see. I'll never get to see her again. Prince Phillip came too, he was there.

"They came down from the old airport terminal then past the bend at the railway station where Juliet St turns into Sydney St, heading for the town hall.”

Originally published as Mackay grocer recalls The Queen's 1970 visit