Local dignitaries gathered in Mount Gambier yesterday to lay wreaths to celebrate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following her passing.

Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin was joined by Member for Barker Tony Pasin and Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell’s representative Travis Fatchen to lay wreaths at Elizabeth Knight Reserve.

Mount Gambier Community RSL President Robert Sandow laid a wreath and was joined by Grant District Council chief executive Darryl Whicker and Anglican Church of Mount Gambier Parish Priest Father Neil Fernando.

Reidy Park Primary School students recently planted a canopy of trees at the reserve to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to commemorate her passing and her enormous contribution to society.

Mayor Martin said at the ceremony that Queen Elizabeth II had a special place in the hearts of Mount Gambier residents, especially those who remembered her visit in February 1954.

“As Mayor of the City of Mount Gambier, it is important that as a city we acknowledge the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and to provide a place where our residents can place floral tributes to honour her passing,” she said.

“We give thanks for an extraordinary life and for a lifetime of service to the Crown and as Queen of Australia and her other realms and territories, Head of the Commonwealth.”

Members of the public are invited to lay their floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at the site until September 26. The Royal Family have noted that instead of leaving floral tributes, Australians may wish to consider making a donation to a charity of their choice.