Plans are afoot to commemorate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the City of Newcastle this week.
As part of the National Day of Mourning, on Thursday 22 September, a seven-gun salute, illumination of the City Hall Clock Tower and a condolence book signing will be among the events to honour the late monarch, who passed away at the age of 96.
It follows a special service, including the laying of floral tributes, at Christ Church Cathedral last Wednesday.
Fort Scratchley Historical Society will fire a salute – one for each decade of the Queen’s reign – at 10am on 22 September.
The clock tower at City Hall on King Street is also set to turn regal purple, while the City Administration Centre will open from 9am to noon for those wishing to sign the condolence book.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen is encouraging residents to pay their respects where possible.
“Queen Elizabeth II left an indelible mark on our city and throughout the world, which can be seen in the outpouring of emotion following her passing,” he said.
“We’ll continue to fly the city’s flags at half-mast until further notice as a sign of admiration.”
City of Newcastle will also host this month’s ordinary council meeting in the former chamber at City Hall in recognition of Queen Elizabeth II’s first trip to Newcastle in 1954.
During that visit, she toured with the Duke of Edinburgh, arriving by train at Newcastle Station and being officially welcomed at City Hall before venturing to No.1 Sportsground, BHP Steelworks, Stockton, and Newcastle Airport.
Queen Elizabeth II returned to Newcastle in 1970 to open the International Sports Centre and visited again seven years later to open Australia’s first purpose-built regional gallery, the Newcastle Art Gallery, on 11 March 1977.
Her final visit occurred in May 1988 when she opened Queens Wharf, a project spearheaded by former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings.
City of Newcastle will close several of its facilities on the National Day of Mourning, including all libraries, apart from the City Administration Centre, which is open from 9am to noon for condolence book signings; the Newcastle Museum; and Beresfield Childcare Centre.
Fort Scratchley is set to close for the remainder of the day following the seven-gun salute.
Elsewhere across the city, Port of Newcastle will support the commemorative efforts by lighting up Dyke Point from 5.30pm to midnight during the National Day of Mourning while the Crystalbrook Kingsley hotel will turn purple as a mark of respect.
For those unable to sign the condolence book on Thursday 22 September, it will remain at the City Administration Centre until Friday 23 September and can be signed Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm.
