On behalf of the people of Townsville I express my deepest condolences to the Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Her Majesty is finally at peace with her beloved husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.
Queen Elizabeth II touched the lives of so many people across the Commonwealth, including here in Townsville.
On visits to our city in 1954 and 1970 she was greeted by crowds in the tens of thousands, predicting Townsville’s rapid growth and identifying us as the capital of the North.
Many in our community, like myself, will have never known a time when Queen Elizabeth II was not on the throne. Her humble leadership has been an inspiration to me and so many others.
I know Queen Elizabeth II held a very special place in the hearts of the people of Townsville. That has been clear by the large number of people requesting her portrait through my office. It is always a privilege to present her image to locals and community groups who’ve given them pride of place on their walls.
This afternoon I will sign the condolence book at Parliament House on behalf of the people of Townsville.
Thank you, Your Majesty, for everything.