Toowoomba politicians, dignitaries, schools, residents remember Queen Elizabeth II after her passing at 96

Toowoomba veterans from across the world have paid special homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II after her passing last week. Read the tributes from the Darling Downs community here.

Tributes have flowed across the region for the late Queen Elizabeth II as residents reminisce on the royal’s visits to the Darling Downs.

Members of the British Ex-Services Association Toowoomba branch paid their respects to the late monarch and said while her passing was not a surprise, it was still upsetting.

“We knew that this day would come, but still it has shocked us all, particularly those who have served in the armed services,” Toowoomba branch chairman Ken Barclay said.

“We old soldiers of the Queen were proud to serve, be we navy, army or air force.

“We were her soldiers, most of us have paraded for her at some time in our service life. She too served her time.

Ex British Services Association members have paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II (Back from left) Albert Davies and Keith Smith - secretary. (front from left) Eric Pratt QC - retired president, Ken Barclay - chairman and Ron Parsons. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“She has meant so much to so many of us in the UK and within other realms and territories making up the Commonwealth. God bless our late Queen.”

Mr Barclay, 83, served for more than 30 years in the British Army, when he worked as a telecommunications expert.

He moved to Australia in the 1980s with his family.

Floral tributes are seen outside Buckingham Palace in London on September 9, 2022, a day after Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. - Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history and an icon instantly recognisable to billions of people around the world, died at her Scottish Highland retreat on September 8. Picture: Stephanie De Sakutin/AFP.

Allan Haak was a national serviceman in a tank regiment when he was tasked to help control the crowd during the 1954 royal visit to Toowoomba.

Thousands of residents lined the streets when Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip visited the region, including walking through Queen’s Park.

“We were holding the crowd back on each side,” he said. “They were well behaved, though.”

Mr Haak said he was close to the royals, and had overheard Prince Philip joke to his wife on how the area was called Queen’s Park.

“She had a good life. I like the royal family and she was very good in what she’d do.

EARLIER

A chorus of Toowoomba voices have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, after the monarch’s passing at 96.

The Toowoomba council set the flags at City Hall and Picnic Point at half-mast on Friday morning to mark her death.

It is understood Australian Defence Force will postpone all community engagement events across the Toowoomba region out of respect for her passing.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio led the tributes by calling the Queen an “incredible leader of the Commonwealth”.

“She was a remarkable woman who left behind an amazing legacy that will be remembered forever,” he said.

“After taking reign at such an early age, she forged strong partnerships throughout the world that remain beneficial to us today.”

Cr Antonio offered his sincerest condolences to Her Majesty’s family at this time, on behalf of the Council.

“She was a strong and courageous woman who led with dignity and inspired many of us to be better leaders,” he said.

“Her strength of character always prevailed and with her passing there is no doubt we will miss her calming influence.

Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki echoed the Mayor’s sentiments by calling for the Queen to become known as “Elizabeth the Great”.

“Our prayers are with our new King and the entire royal family,” he wrote.

“Her Majesty’s passing marks the close of the second Elizabethan era and heralds a new chapter in world history.

“From this point onwards, Elizabeth II should be known to history as Elizabeth the Great.”

Mr Janetzki said his family distinctly remembered the day the Queen came through their town during her 1954 visit.

“People think of kings and queens who wield their power loudly but Her Majesty was just the opposite,” he said.

“She exercised her power quietly through service, dedication and faith.

“Our region has a direct connection with Her Majesty and my family have fond memories of standing on Oakey’s streets as she and Prince Philip passed through in 1954.”

Deputy mayor Geoff McDonald endorsed Mr Janetzki’s “Elizabeth the Great” suggestion on social media, calling it “perfectly said”.

English-born Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts paid tribute to Elizabeth II’s devotion to her role as queen of both Britain and Australia.

“Dignified, humble, wise, stoic, and dedicated to duty and service to the country and Commonwealth she loved,” he wrote.

“Her seven decade reign offered so much, but it was her reassuring messages in times of turmoil I will remember the most.

“As a young boy growing up in England, my stepdad used to take me to Trooping the Colour and other royal events.

“The pageantry was always spectacular to watch, but what I have realised now, after being in parliament for 10 years, is just how important Queen Elizabeth was to the stability of Queensland and Australia.”

Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff called the Queen “a rock of stability” for the country across seven decades.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the personification of service, dignity, endurance and grace,” she said.

“She visited Australia 16 times during her reign and her work ethic was unparalleled – she met with the incoming UK Prime Minister Liz Truss on Tuesday.

“She was a rock of stability through 70+ years. May God rest her soul.

“If you’re inclined to prayer or simply kind thoughts, may these go out and up today.”

Councillor Megan O’Hara Sullivan paid tribute to Elizabeth II, quoting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s words to describe her as a “monarch who let her humanity show”.

Toowoomba schools and community groups have also paid tribute to the Queen’s passing, with Fairholme College dropping its flags to half-mast in honour of her.

“The Fairholme community stands with the rest of the world – sending our deepest condolences to the Royal Family,” the school wrote.

Toowoomba Anglican School passed on its “sincere condolences” to the Royal Family and the Toowoomba Catholic Schools diocese quoted Queen Elizabeth directly when she said she would live her life by giving “my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God”.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Toowoomba Scout Group paid tribute to Elizabeth II’s support for the Scouts.

“A dedicated supporter of Scouts, Her Majesty has been a peerless role model for young people around the world – our thoughts are with the Royal Family,” the group wrote.