Geelong leaders pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
It is one of the Addy’s most memorable front pages — Queen Elizabeth II, head thrown back and laughing during a visit to Geelong. But what was it that amused Her Majesty so much?
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Geelong leaders are mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the only reigning monarch to have visited Australia.
The longest-serving monarch in British history ruled for 70 years as the Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as the head of state of the Commonwealth. She died aged 96.
Flags at City Hall, Geelong West Town Hall, the Geelong Waterfront and Corio will fly at half-mast until further notice, in line with protocol.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr Peter Murrihy laid a floral wreath in tribute of the Queen on Friday morning.
“On behalf of the council and the City of Greater Geelong, I offer my condolences to those
mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Mr Murrihy said.
“Our deepest sympathies go to His Majesty King Charles III and other members of the Royal
Family, and to the people of the United Kingdom and elsewhere affected by this news.
“Over a remarkable reign spanning seven decades, Queen Elizabeth II became a lasting
symbol of service, wisdom, and dedication.”
Mr Murrihy said the Queen “captured our hearts” during her two visits to Geelong.
“Her joy – and the joy she gave to others – is on show for all as she opened one of our cultural institutions, the National Wool Museum,” Mr Murrihy said.
“Her passing caps an extraordinary era, but the influence of her leadership will continue on.
“A beautiful life well lived.
“May she rest in peace.”
The Queen and Prince Philip visited Geelong twice – in 1954 and in 1988 to mark the bicentenary.
The Geelong Advertiser reported a big crowd gathered at South Geelong Railway Station to get an early glimpse of the couple.
“When the royal carriage slowed to a stop, there was rousing applause and flag waving as the Queen and Prince Philip were met by V/Line’s regional manager Stan Rogers,’’ the paper continued.
“Looking vibrant, the Queen wore an emerald green dress with a wool overcoat, green velvet hat and black shoes and bag.
“She was swamped by small children who, at the direction of their parents, offered her bunches of flowers.
“They were warmly accepted, and by the end of the visit ladies-in-waiting and police officers were laden with bouquets of everything from roses to eucalypt.’’
During the visit, Geelong Advertiser photographer and future Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons was waiting to grab some colour photos.
He captured one of the Addy’s most memorable front pages — where the Queen was pictured with head thrown back and laughing.
“The laughing Queen – it was probably the biggest picture that has ever been on the front page since,’’ he told the Geelong Advertiser in 2014.
“She had probably never ever been seen like that before and it took the world by storm that she could show such emotion.’’
The Queen was laughing at the antics of a sheep dog named Spud and his sidekick — actor and stockman Peter Sharp.
“She just threw her head back in extreme laughter,’’ Lyons recalled.
“The Rat Pack from all over the world were down the other end of the street and for some unknown reason I was the only bloke there. Where everyone else thought would never be a picture turned out to be the best picture of the day.’’
Then-Geelong mayor Jim Fidge was beside the Queen for the memorable moment and told the Addy he had made her laugh.
“It was what the dog had on its paw, and she said, ‘Why has the dog got a watch on its paw?’,” the former mayor said.
“I asked the dog’s handler and he said, ‘So it knows how to go around the sheep clockwise’.
“To which I replied, ‘But it’s a digital watch’, which it was, and that made her laugh.’’
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson paid tribute to the late monarch on Friday.
“For seven decades, Queen Elizabeth II served our nation with remarkable dignity, duty and integrity,” she said.
“I convey my deepest sympathies to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for everything.”
Committee for Geelong chief executive officer Jennifer Cromarty wrote: “An unwavering sense of duty to her country and God. The monarch of my life. Reunited with her love Prince Philip.”
Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur said: “For 70 years Queen Elizabeth II has been a symbol of consistency – the quintessential model of devotion, bravery, strength, stoicism, selflessness, of quiet dignity and humility. She has been our true north.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Corio MP Richard Marles told the Today Showthe Queen had led a life of “unparalleled service”.
“There’s a sense in which her life has marked our lives. And for most of the population, we’ve only ever known the Elizabethan age,” Mr Marles said.
“So, there is a real sense that this is a very significant moment, I think, in our work- in yours too. We have a sense of the significance of moments in time and this is one which is very large indeed.”
Condolence books will be on display across the city’s customer service centres and libraries., with community members invited to signed the book.
Floral tributes can be placed at the entrance to City Hall.
Originally published as Geelong leaders pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
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