There will be several gatherings, commemorations and tributes for everyone to pay their respects to the Queen, after we woke to the sad news of her passing on Friday morning, as well as share their own reflections and memories.
Many residents would have fond memories of her visit on May 27, 1980, when thousands of residents lined the streets to welcome her to proclaim Bankstown a City.
AUSTRALIA will hold a National Day of Mourning to mark the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday, September 22.
It will be a National Public Holiday to commemorate Her Majesty’s remarkable life and dedication to service.
A much loved and respected figure, the Queen passed away last Thursday, and her State Funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19.
The first reigning monarch to visit Australia, Queen Elizabeth II was greeted by an unprecedented crowd of more than one million people when she set foot for the first time on Australian soil in 1954 – the first of 16 visits.
King Charles III has now been proclaimed as Australia’s head of state.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the Government and the people of Australia offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are grieving for a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother – the person whom for so long was their greatest inner strength.
“With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, an historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end,” he said.
“Australian hearts go out to the people of the UK in mourning, knowing they will feel they have lost part of what makes their nation whole.
“There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’.”
Bankstown RSL Sub-branch President Terry Corcoran said he was lost for words.
“She got us through so many world conflicts, we all looked up to her and she was absolutely the best Commonwealth monarch ever,” he said.
“She was our rock that held everything together, it’s an incredibly sad day and she will be deeply missed like no other.”
East Hills VIEW Club committee member Bev Cheals says that when she heard the news of the Queen’s death on Friday morning, she was immediately transported to 1954.
“As a six-year-old, I stood on the Grand Parade at Brighton and waved to her, not realising the significance,” she said.
“I wasn’t really surprised to hear the news because I thought she looked so frail earlier in the week at the UK prime minister changeover.
“She has been a fantastic international leader and had a great sense of humour; I loved her James Bond and Paddington Bear sketches, a truly marvellous woman and one that has always been there for us.”
Association of Independent Retirees’ Neil Birdsall says he feels devastated.
“It came as a complete shock, I don’t think any of us was ready for it,” he said.
“To me it’s like she was someone in the family always looking over you, that you never met.
“It’s certainly the end of an era.”