Queen Elizabeth II: Central Australia remembers Queen’s visits to Alice Springs

Centralians have joined the world in mourning the shock passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Friday morning.

Centralians have joined the world in mourning the shock passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Friday morning.

Attorney-General and Gwoja MLA Chansey Paech remembered Her Majesty as “an inspiration to many”, with her 1963 visit to Alice Springs a “highlight for the town”.

“Growing up in Central Australia, I’d often hear stories from my grandparents about the Queen’s visit to Alice Springs in 1963,” he said.

“It was a highlight for the town and I can still remember the enamel plates that hung on my grandmother’s dining room wall in her house in Eastside.”

Mr Paech said he had fond memories of staying up late to watch the Queen’s Christmas message with his grandmother.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh leaving the Flynn Memorial Church at Alice Springs in 1963.

“My grandmother would never hear a bad word said about the Queen — in fact, while the Queen was speaking, we weren’t allowed to say any words,” he said.

“Today I’m thinking of my grandmother and everyone else whose lives were touched by the Queen.

“In a world dominated by men, she was for a long time the only woman in a role of power and an inspiration to many. Vale Queen Elizabeth II.”

Braitling MLA Joshua Burgoyne remembered his own childhood brush with royalty during Queen Elizabeth’s return trip to the Red Centre in 2000.

“I was a young boy at Braitling Primary School when the Queen visited the School of the Air in March of 2000,” he said.

Queen Elizabeth II watches as Aboriginal women dancers welcome her to Alice Springs Desert Park in March 2000.

“Everyone at the school turned out to welcome Her Majesty and I distinctly remember the Territory flags waving as she went by.

“I had a disposable camera that I took photos with me on the day and my mother still laughs that all I was able to capture from that day was the back of the Queen’s head.”

Mr Braitling said Her Majesty was “the people’s Queen”, whose “service and devotion were unmatched”.

“She will be sorely missed,” he said.

Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour praised Her Majesty’s “dignity and dedication to service”.

“I am saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Her Majesty’s 70-year reign was delivered with dignity and dedication to service for the people,” she said.

“I send my sincere condolences to the royal family.”