Vale Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 – 2022

Central Coast Council joins the world to mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II who served her nation and the Commonwealth for more than 70 years. 

In 1954 the 27-year-old reigning monarch made her first visit to Australia with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh and toured extensively on their 58-day royal tour.  

Together they travelled on the Royal Train through the Central Coast region as they made their way from Sydney to Newcastle on 9 February 1954. Thousands of local residents gathered at Gosford and Wyong stations to catch a glimpse of the Royal Train as it slowed through the newly painted and decorated stations with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and H.R.H. Duke of Edinburgh on board. Some of the estimated crowds of 10,000 people – which was most of the area’s population at that time - had stood in the drizzling rain since 5am to welcome the Royals. 

The Australian Flag outside Council’s Wyong Administration building was lowered to half-mast on Friday 9 September 2022 after the official announcement of the Queen’s death and will remain at half-mast until Tuesday 20 September 2022. Following protocol, the flags alongside are also flying at half-mast for this period. 

The day of the National Memorial Service on 22 September 2022 will be a National Day of Mourning for Australia and a National public holiday. 

At this significant point in history, we extend our deepest condolences to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family and give thanks for the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II.  

Our community is invited to sign a condolence book which will be placed at Bateau Bay, Erina, Gosford, Kincumber, Lake Haven, Toukley, Tuggerah, Umina, and Woy Woy libraries from Thursday 15 September. 

To read more on Her Majesty the Queen’s deep connection with Australia, and FAQs on her passing, or to send an online condolence message, go to Australian Government’s dedicated web page:  www.pmc.gov.au/her-majesty-the-queen

To view the local Souvenir and Programme Guide for the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II celebrations at Gosford, visit click here.