Like many, I am saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who served her nation and the Commonwealth with complete dedication for more than 70 years. Central Coast Council joins the world to mourn her historic reign and reflects on her visits to the region. 

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. 

As a mark of respect, 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. 

Community members are 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. 

If you would like to send a message of condolence online, or read more on Her Majesty the Queen’s deep connection with Australia, go to the Australian Government’s dedicated web page: www.pmc.gov.au/her-majesty-the-queen

Rik Hart, Administrator

Queen Elizabeth II, 1953

Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh on their Royal Visit through Gosford travelling from Sydney to Newcastle on the Royal Train, 1954

Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh on their Royal Visit through Gosford travelling from Sydney to Newcastle on the Royal Train, 1954

Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh on their Royal Visit through Gosford travelling from Sydney to Newcastle on the Royal Train, 1954