Willcox pays tribute to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Following the sad passing of our Monarch Queen Elizabeth II, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox had the honour over the weekend to represent Dawson by attending several services, which included a Gun Salute and the Proclamation of King Charles III by the Governor-General David Hurley.

Mr Willcox said “It was an honour to represent the people of Dawson in paying tribute to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  Her Majesty was a frequent visitor of regional Australia, and many Dawson residents can remember when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited Mackay first in 1954, just months after she was crowned, and again in 1970. The Queen had famously said she left Mackay with “a deeper understanding of North Queensland, it’s people and their way of life”

“And during our most trying times, Her Majesty provided many messages of support and strength. These efforts showed her true kindness, humanity, and leadership which Her Majesty brought to the role and is one that will be sorely missed.”

“The Prime Minister has announced our “National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty, The Queen” to be the 22nd of September, three days after the royal funeral in London. “This will be a one-off for 2022 to allow Australians to pay their respects”. Mr Willcox said.

“Federal Parliament was due to sit this week in Canberra however it has been suspended following the death of Her Majesty. The Government will reschedule the sitting days following the period of mourning.” Mr Willcox said.  

“I have a condolence book in my office for anyone who wishes to provide a handwritten message, alternatively you can go on online to www.pmc.gov.au/her-majesty-the-queen. All condolences will be collated and sent to Buckingham Palace. The messages will also be archived by the Commonwealth and may be displayed at its national institutions such as the National Library of Australia to form a lasting record of this moment in history.”  Mr Willcox said