Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral shortly before she died

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Hundreds of people have gathered in Cairns to commemorate the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II.

An ecumenical service was held in her honour at St Monica’s Cathedral, attended by dignitaries and community members from across the region.

The Cairns Choral Society sang the hymns, and there were readings by Torres Strait elder, Rocky Gela, Father Kerry Crowley, of the Cairns Catholic Diocese, and St Monica’s College captain, Mia Borzi.

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Cairns Mayor, Bob Manning, and Mareeba Shire Mayor, Angela Toppin, also delivered readings, while prayers were offered by Ben Johnson, of Salvation Army Cairns, and Royal Australian Navy chaplain, Lynette Emery.

Jeff Coop, of the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland, delivered the sermon.

Mayor Manning said earlier that the Queen’s visits to the Cairns region are fondly remembered.

“Her Majesty visited Cairns on three occasions in 1954, 1970, and 2002, creating treasured lifelong memories for residents.

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“In respectful acknowledgement of the significance of her reign, it is appropriate that the city formally commemorates her.”

COMMUNITY

Main points

  • Hundreds join ecumenical service to honour the Queen
  • Dignitaries and community members unite at St Monica's Cathedral
  • The Queen visited Cairns three times during her reign
For the vast majority of our community, she was the only monarch that we have ever known.
Bob Manning
Cairns Mayor