City of Parramatta pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

City of Parramatta Council sends its deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96.

“For 70 years, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II served the Crown, her country and the Commonwealth with grace, dignity and dedication,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.

“City of Parramatta Council joins the Royal Family and the Commonwealth in remembrance and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a source of inspiration and strength for all Australians and today we mourn her passing.”

Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia 16 times during her reign, including 12 visits to NSW.

The people of Parramatta caught their first glimpse of Her Majesty during her first tour of Australia in 1954. The Queen and Prince Philip travelled on the Royal Train from Bathurst to Sydney, waving to crowds from the train’s observation deck as they passed through Parramatta.

In April 1970, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened as a museum the restored Old Government House in Parramatta Park, before returning in 1986 to open the former Parramatta Stadium. 

In 1986, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the former Parramatta Stadium.    “It was an incredibly exciting occasion for our City and a moment in history that our community will never forget,” Cr Davis said.

In 1988, Queen Elizabeth II elevated Parramatta’s position of mayor to Lord Mayor to mark the City’s bicentenary. Parramatta is one of just four councils in NSW with a Lord Mayor.

“We mourn the passing of Her Majesty, it is also a time for the people of our City to offer thanks for a lifetime of public duty and dedicated service,” Cr Davis said. 

Flags across the City of Parramatta will be flown at half-mast in honour of Her Late Majesty. Arrangements are also being made for condolence books to be placed at all of the City’s libraries.