Tributes flowed for The Queen, whose reign of 70 years and 214 days was the longest of any British monarch.
Matthew Scott, a local teacher and renowned admirer of the Royal Family, said he was upset and distressed when he heard the news.
“I got a bad feeling when I saw the announcement from the palace that (Her Majesty) was being monitored,” Mr Scott said.
“We’ve lost a role model and someone who exemplified service.
“In the sadness there’s always a new chapter in King Charles III’s reign beginning.
“I’ve put on my Buckingham Palace socks on today that I bought when I did a tour in 2020, and people were checking on me when I got into school today, and students sent me emails. They were being very supportive.”
While Mr Scott has never seen The Queen in person, he has visited many royal residences in his time.
“I would have loved to have seen (Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh) when they visited Australia in 2022,” he said.
“I have been on tours of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and I went on the Royal Britannia Yacht when I was in Scotland.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended The Queen’s lifelong dedication to duty and service.
“This is a morning of sadness for the world, for the Commonwealth, and all Australians,” Mr Albanese said.
“It is a day of profound sadness and grief for the Royal Family who have lost a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. The person who for so long was their greatest inner strength.”
Mr Albanese quoted The Queen’s own words, stating “grief is the price we pay for love’’.
"Queen Elizabeth II is the only reigning monarch most of us have known — and the only one to ever visit Australia,’’ he said.
“And over the course of a remarkable seven decades, Her Majesty was a rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change.
“From the moment the young princess became Queen, Her Majesty’s dedication to duty and service over self were the hallmarks of her reign. Performing her duty with fidelity, integrity, and respect for everyone she met.”
Mr Albanese announced on Sunday that Thursday, September 22, would be a one-off public holiday across Australia as a national day of mourning for The Queen.
"It will be a one-off national public holiday to allow people to pay their respects for the passing of Queen Elizabeth," Mr Albanese said.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews offered his condolences to the Royal Family.
“On behalf of our government, and every Victorian, we offer our deep condolences to His Majesty King Charles III, the Royal Family, and all those mourning the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Mr Andrews said.
“Her presence spanned countries, cultures, language, and continents — her reign transcended decades and generations. And like no monarch before her, she captured our hearts and our affection.
“Her historic reign and long life has come to an end, but Victorians’ deep affection and respect for Her Majesty lives on. May she rest in peace.”
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has offered his condolences on the passing of The Queen.
“Queen Elizabeth has been a constant throughout many of our lives, a beacon of stability in an ever-changing world,” Mr Birrell said.
“Her devotion to duty, service and decency provided an example for us to follow. Her commitment to the Commonwealth and to Australia was evident throughout her reign and on her 16 official visits to our shores.
“Many still fondly remember the Royal Tour in 1954 that included stops on Benalla, Shepparton, Tatura, Echuca and Rochester, the first Australian visit by a reigning monarch.”
Mr Birrell said the public could send their condolences via his office.
“A condolence book is being set up in my office in Shepparton for those who wish to record their own thoughts on the life of Queen Elizabeth the second.”
Member for Farrer and deputy leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley said Friday was a “tremendously sad day for the world.”
“Prime Minister Liz Truss was absolutely correct when she said The Queen was the rock on which modern Britain was built,” Ms Ley said.
“A long life devoted to duty that has touched the lives of millions, especially here in Australia.
“For me The Queen’s reign is bookended by two defining images: that of a young woman who never expected to be monarch so soon, willingly taking on a lifetime of duty and service — and the grieving head of state, sitting stoically alone during COVID, at the funeral for Prince Philip. Her commitment to duty never faltered.”
Ms Ley recalled meeting The Queen while attending a reception in Parliament House with her daughter during Julia Gillard’s term as prime minister.
“Our first female prime minister, the longest serving British monarch and many young Australians for whom the institution of the monarchy must have seemed remote, all celebrated, with real affection what Queen Elizabeth II represented to the Commonwealth and the world,” she said.
“We have lost one of the most substantial world figures of our time. Thank you, Your Majesty, for everything.”
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