It is with sadness that we have all heard of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
There has been a number of things that have been happening since the announcement and as the RVAHJ is an organisation with Royal Patronage we are of course expected to follow certain protocol which is unfolding over the 12 days of mourning and proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III.
The actions that have been taken to date by the RVAHJ is that we have included on our website a notification of condolences in the passing of Her Majesty, as well as changing the colour of the site to a dark theme in respect. This will be maintained till after the official mourning period.
Notification of Condolence on website….(thank you to Michael Tse JP in helping to prepare this notification)
In commemoration and respect in the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In her 70 years reign, Her Majesty served the people of the Commonwealth with exemplary dedication.
For Honorary Justices, Her Majesty represented a role model for serving the community.
RVAHJ pays tribute to Her Majesty’s life of service and extends our condolences to the entire Royal Family.
A letter of condolence on behalf of the RVAHJ and its members is being prepared and will be sent to Her Excellency the Governor as the Majesty’s representative with the view to be forwarded to the Royal family, this will occur on Monday 12th September 2022.
Correspondence has been received from the Victorian Governor’s Office that a condolence book is available at Governor House daily from 8am to 6pm for those who wish to take the opportunity to record their condolences.
Some details on this has already been posted on the RVAHJ members Facebook page.
The message is reproduced below as information for all members and other Honorary Justices.
Dear Sir/Madam
Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II a Condolence Book has been made available for signing at Government House Victoria. If you would like to sign the Condolence Book, there will be an opportunity for you to do so at the front gates of Government House daily, between 8am and 6pm.
From Tuesday 13 September, a small memorial exhibition paying tribute to Her Majesty’s long reign will be open for members of the public to view in the State Apartments from 10am until 6pm Tuesday to Friday, until 6pm on Friday 16 September. The exhibition is free to enter. Tickets and prior booking are not required. Please note however that visiting members of the public will be subject to bag checks and security wanding prior to being admitted to the grounds.
You are encouraged to disseminate details of this memorial exhibition, and the Condolence Book for Her Majesty, to members of your organisation and network.
Please note that no parking is permitted within the grounds of Government House.
Please contact the Office of the Governor on 9655 4211 if you require any assistance with accessibility, or if you have any questions.
Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Burke
Official Secretary
Office of the Governor
The RVAHJ has also been invited to attend the proclamation for His Majesty King Charles III for Monday 12th September 2022, which will be attended on behalf of the RVAHJ by our President. Further details will be provided as they become available.
Our thoughts and prays are with the entire Royal Family and the King in this time of mourning.
Paul Mracek JP FRVAHJ
President,
RVAHJ