Condolences: Queen Elizabeth II
Speech presented by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP to the Queensland Legislative Assembly on October 11, 2022.
The Mackay community was honoured twice with a visit from the Queen. The first was on 15 March 1954, when she visited Mackay. We still to this day celebrate the images of her in the back of a Land Rover at Mackay Showgrounds.
The second was on 16 April 1970. My late grandmother recalled her visit. We still have photos amongst our family. The Queen, Prince Phillip and Princess Anne were welcomed by former Pioneer shire chairman Michael Moohin and his wife, Beryl, now part of the Mackay Regional Council.
More recently, the Queen had a significant influence on one of our Mackay locals, Keith Payne VC, who served in the Vietnam War. For over three hours amidst continuing enemy gunfire, Keith was searching for his men, rescuing 40 soldiers and helping a seriously wounded American. He received his VC from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia here in Brisbane on 13 April 1970. I recall sitting with him and Flo and Flo telling me how wonderful the Queen was and of the warm welcome she provided to her sons Ronald, Gregory, Colin, Ian and Derek, who were all in attendance for the ceremony. Keith was born in Ingham on 30 August 1933, and at the age of 89 he travelled to the Queen's funeral and service along with 17 of the 23 Victoria Cross recipients who were in attendance that day. We thank him for his service to our community. We acknowledge the many times that he has met the Queen, the way in which he conducts himself and the continuing contribution that he makes to returned service men and women across this country.
I would also like to acknowledge the leadership of the local Holy Trinity Church that on Sunday, 11 September held a solemn event in the Anglican tradition to honour the Queen, to share grief and thanks for her life and to pray for the King. His Majesty King Charles III, with his ascension to the throne, is part of a continuing institution that forms an important role in our nation's democracy. We wish him well with his service.
Our Queen led with service and a stoic style. She is a true inspiration to many—an example of leadership and a woman of incredible character. We thank her for her service. She is now at rest with her strength and stay.