by Sarah Lilburne

Today we learned the very sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our Queen. Some say that it felt like she would live forever but sadly, the day has come when she is no longer our monarch. Rather than mourning, I feel we can celebrate her amazing life and remember her as a dignified, gracious and dedicated Queen. She reigned over the Commonwealth for 70 years and she touched the hearts of many all around the world. For so many of us, she was the only monarch we have known, and her remarkable life should be remembered and rejoiced. 

I remember seeing the Queen on two occasions, once at South Bank in Brisbane in 2002 but the most memorable time was at Bourke in New South Wales in 2000. This visit took place shortly after the referendum when Australians voted either for or against the monarchy. I lived close to the small rural town of Coolibah in Western New South Wales which had a population of only 39 people. Of those people, 38 voted for the monarchy and Coolibah was recognised as the town in Australia with the highest percentage of voters per head of the population supporting the Queen to remain as our Head of State. It was quite an honour for Coolibah and all the residents marked the occasion by lining up out the front of the local pub for a picture, minus the one person who didn't vote in her favour. When the Queen and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh visited Bourke, not far up the Mitchell Highway from Coolibah, the residents were invited to gather in a special area to greet her on their walk through tour of Central Park. Even though I wasn't one of those voters from Coolibah as my post office was in the next small town of Girilambone, I travelled up to Bourke in the chartered coach and stood in the specially cordoned off area with the folks from Coolibah. They presented Her Majesty with a bouquet of roses and the framed photo of them all standing in front of the pub. I smile to think that she might have put that photo on her mantle piece, or perhaps not, but her graciousness towards those everyday Australians made me realise what an incredibly important person she was to so many in unexplainable ways. On that day, her beautiful outfit was so well tailored and her hat matched perfectly, her radiant smile warmed the hearts of everyone there especially the people from Coolibah.

Our lives will be forever different as His Majesty King Charles III takes over the throne as the Commonwealth Head of State and our new monarch. Whatever changes are coming, we can remember that our lives have been enriched by the reign of Queen Elizabeth II who lead with style and commitment, never outwardly showing the difficult times she faced both personally and in world affairs and we can all learn from that. Her life was dignified to the very end. May she rest in peace.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edunburgh in Bourke 2002