Introduction

Queen Elizabeth II started her Australian tour on 3 February 1954 at Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour, after arriving on the steamship ‘Gothic’. She was the first reigning monarch to visit Australia, covering 57 towns and cities in 58 days.

On 9 February 1954, she and the Duke of Edinburgh travelled by train from Sydney to Newcastle. They attended an Address of Loyalty at Newcastle City Hall, visited ex-service personnel at Newcastle Sports Ground, viewed school children at Newcastle Showgrounds, and toured the BHP Steelworks. Later, they drove to Williamtown Airport and flew to Lismore.

Australians eagerly welcomed their new Queen, including residents of Port Stephens who could see her in Newcastle, Stockton or at Williamtown airport. This paper highlights her visit to Newcastle and Port Stephens. An Appendix that details the Newcastle, Stockton and Williamtown itinerary is also included.

‘Gothic’ Steamship in Sydney Harbour – 1954

Arrangements for Port Stephens residents to see the Queen at Williamtown

The Newcastle Sun of 18 January 1954, page 4, reported:

‘School children, R.S.L. members and old age pensioners from Port Stephens will now have an opportunity to see the Queen when she visits Newcastle on February 9.

The C.O. of Williamtown R.A.A.F. station (Group Captain R. H. Davis) said today, that following representations from Port Stephens Shire Council last Saturday it had been decided to set aside a special roped-off area at the air base for school children, ex-servicemen and old age pensioners from the shire.

Announcing final plans for the Queen’s departure from Williamtown, he said that special security arrangements had been made to guard the Queen’s plane at the airport up to the time of its departure for Evans Head. In addition to the special security guard supplied by the Commonwealth a detachment from Williamtown R.A.A.F. will stand watch over the plane throughout its stay. All planes at Williamtown would be grounded an hour before and after the Queen’s departure, he said. No planes, either civil or R.A.A.F., would be allowed to fly within 2000 feet above or below the Royal aircraft. There will be no special escort supplied for the occasion.’

Public Holiday Proclaimed

The Newcastle Sun of 21 January 1954, page 1, reported:

‘The Lord Mayor [of Newcastle] (Ald. Purdue) said today that a public holiday had now been gazetted for two cities, 12 shires and six municipalities on Feb. 9, to enable people to come to Newcastle to see the Queen. These were the cities of Newcastle and Maitland, the shires of Port Stephens, Lower Hunter, Kearsley, Wallarobba, Gloucester, Manning, Tamarang, Murrurundi, Patrick Plains, Lake Macquarie, Stroud, Merriwa and Wyong and the municipalities of Dungog, Taree, Cessnock, Wingham, Singleton and Muswellbrook. He said that people would be coming from other areas, and the public holiday would probably be gazetted for those later. Altogether, public holidays had been granted to 138 areas in the State between February 3 and March 25.’

Protocol Planned for Williamtown Airport

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 28 January 1954, page 4:

‘About 300 R.A.A.F. and Army men will line each side of the route of the Royal car through Williamtown R.A.A.F. station on February 9.

As the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh pass, they will present arms. Servicemen yesterday took their positions and practised presenting arms to a car making a “dummy run.” An R.A.A.F. officer said yesterday a full rehearsal of the Royal party’s departure from Williamtown would be held on February 8. The Royal car will arrive at Williamtown at 4.40 p.m. and go by the shortest route through the station to the tarmac. The Royal visitors will be met by Mr. Hawkins M.L.A., and Mrs. Hawkins. The Commandant of the School of Land-Air Warfare (Group Captain Davis) will be presented. The Queen and the Duke will enter their Convair by a rear door and members of their party by a forward door.

The Royal visitors will be farewelled by the Lord Mayor (Ald. Purdue) and the Lady Mayoress, the President of Port Stephens Shire Council (Cr. Shearman) and Mrs. Shearman, and the Town Clerk of Newcastle (Mr. Burges) and Mrs. Burges. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins will escort the Queen and the Duke to the gangway of their plane. Roped off areas on the tarmac will be provided for 500 children from Port Stephens, officers and their families and friends, and airmen and their families and friends. An additional area near the tarmac will be provided for members of the Red Cross, the Returned Servicemen’s League and other organisations in Port Stephens Shire.’

Newcastle Mayor’s Protocol

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 30 January 1954, page 2, reported:

‘On the day of the Royal visit to Newcastle the Lord Mayor (Ald. Purdue) will wear his official robes and chain of office at all points in the city where he will meet the Queen. As soon as he crosses the border between Newcastle and Port Stephens, he will have to remove his robes and chain. He will cross the border, which is in Fullerton-road, near Fern Bay, on his way to Williamtown Aerodrome to farewell the Queen. It will be the first time Ald. Purdue will have worn the chain of office.’

Port Stephens Shire Council President to Meet Queen

The Maitland Mercury of 5 February 1954, page 2, reported:

‘When Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh leave Newcastle on Tuesday afternoon, they will go to Williamtown aerodrome to take a plane to Lismore. They will be farewelled by Cr. L. Shearman, President of Port Stephens Shire Council, and Mrs, Shearman. Williamtown is in shire area. Earlier in the day, Cr. Shearman and Mrs. Shearman will be official guests in Newcastle. They were also in the enclosure at Farm Cove, [Sydney Harbour] when the Royal couple landed at Farm Cove.’

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in Newcastle [Newcastle City Library]

Port Stephens Shire Council President Welcomes the Queen

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 8 February 1954, page 1, reported the following comments expressed by Cr. L. J. Shearman, President of Port Stephens Council, concerning the visit of the Queen to the Port Stephens area:

‘It is with deep feelings of pleasure and gratitude that I, as President of the Port Stephens Shire Council, and on behalf of all its loyal citizens, join in expressions of welcome to Queen Elizabeth II, and the Duke of Edinburgh. The visit of the Royal party will be a memorable day for us and one, we trust, that will have pleasant memories or ourselves and our children for many years. Our shire was till recent years truly a rural area, but with the advent of the Masonite Corporation (Australia) Ltd. and Courtaulds (Australia) Ltd. [both located at Tomago], it has become semi-industrial. Courtaulds, an English firm, has brought about 130 families from England and Wales to work in the factory with Australian workmen, so we have a little bit of England within our shire. We hope Her Majesty will be spared many years to reign over us and that the years will, be peaceful and prosperous to all her people within the Empire.’

Cr. L. J. Shearman, President of Port Stephens Council [Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 8 February 1954]

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh Farewelled at Williamtown Airport

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 10 February 1954, page 3, reported:

‘An estimated 5000 people farewelled the Royal couple. Most of the people who waved farewell were members of ex-service and other organisations and school children of Port Stephens Shire. The others were personnel of the R.A.A.F. station and their families and friends. The R.A.A.F. made special arrangements to accommodate the visitors and amplified a radio commentary on the Royal progress through Newcastle.

Much of the Royal progress from Stockton to Williamtown was lined with family cars, many of which took up their positions in the morning. Many families picnicked by the roadside. Some erected awnings over their picnic tables to shelter them from occasional drizzle. Although the Royal party was not due there till 4.40 p.m. and admission was by invitation, enclosures at the R.A.A.F. Station began to fill early in the afternoon. Civilian adults spent the afternoon discussing the Royal visit and watching the thorough servicing of the Royal aircraft, the T.A.A. plane ‘John Forrest’.

A light drizzle which set in shortly before the Royal party was expected caused concern. Eight R.A.A.F. officers who took up a position near the aircraft carried furled umbrellas in case they were needed by the Royal party. Two other officers at the point at which the Royal couple would alight from their car also carried umbrellas. The umbrellas were not needed, but soon after Royal aircraft left fairly heavy rain began to fall. Many people who walked to their homes at Williamtown and neighbouring areas were drenched.

Royal Party Welcomed at Williamtown Airport [Newcastle City Library]

Early in the afternoon an R.A.A.F. guard was placed in a wide perimeter around the Royal aircraft. The plane and a relief Convair had been under close guard since their arrival on Monday afternoon. Paratroopers of the School of Land-Air Warfare, in distinctive red berets. and airmen in ‘blues,’ lined the route of the Royal progress from the gate of the R.A.A.F. Station to the tarmac. As the Royal party proceeded through the station each group of servicemen presented arms. The guard at the Royal aircraft presented arms when the Royal party arrived. On their arrival at the tarmac the Queen and Duke, although looking tired, smiled and waved cheerily at crowds on the tarmac. The Queen made a special point of waving to children, who had only a distant view of her, to indicate that she had seen them.

When the Queen and the Duke left their car at Williamtown the Minister for Lands (Mr. Hawkins) presented the Commandant of the School of Land-Air Warfare (Group Captain R H. Davis) and Mrs. Davis and the President of Port Stephens Shire Council (Cr. Shearman) and Mrs. Shearman. Two minutes later the Royal couple had ascended the steps of the aircraft’s rear gang way, with a final wave from the Duke. The Royal couple were farewelled by Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins; Cr. and Mrs. Shearman, and the Town Clerk of Newcastle (Mr. Burges) and Mrs. Burges.

Royal Party walking to their plane for their flight to Evans Head [Newcastle City Library]

The Royal party was 13 minutes late in reaching Williamtown. Immediately they disappeared into the aircraft the starboard motor was started. The port motor was then started as the gangway raised itself into the tail. The crowd on the tarmac cheered and cooeed as the huge aircraft lumbered on to a runway guided by a yellow and black striped jeep bearing the advice ‘Follow me’ in large black letters.

After the motors had been run up at the end of the runway the Convair took off at 5.5 p.m. and climbed steeply into the clouds to seawards. During the afternoon Air Force officers expressed concern that the Royal plane might not be able to land at Evans Head. At one time the ceiling at Evans Head was reported to be down to 2000 feet. As dark clouds rolled in over the aerodrome late in the afternoon many people on the tarmac feared that the Evans Head strip might be closed, making it necessary for the Royal couple to travel to Lismore by train The Royal train, which is equipped for night travel, was held in Newcastle till it was known that the Royal party had left by air.’

The Dungog Chronicle of 10 February 1954, page 4, also reported:

‘The Royal couple were farewelled by Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins, Cr. and Mrs. Shearman, and the Town Clerk of Newcastle (Mr. Burges) and Mrs. Burges. The Convair took off at 5.5 p.m. amidst cheers and cooees. The crowd was perturbed earlier by rumours that the drome at Evans Head might be closed, and the Royal couple would have to travel by train. Enthusiasm burst forth when the Royal car appeared in the distance. Arrangements within the drome area were carried out perfectly. The ‘Chronicle’ expresses thanks for courtesies received. Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Bennett in the Press stand had a close view of the Queen and the Duke.

The departure from the drome was not so happy. There were traffic jams on the road to Hexham Bridge and Raymond Terrace and to Stockton. It took three hours for the ‘Chronicle’ car to get from the drome to Newcastle via Stockton ferry. Car drivers and passengers did not worry in the least. They had had their wish satisfied—they had seen the Royal couple.’

Port Stephens Council Erected Welcome Archway at Fern Bay

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 11 February 1954, page 1, reported:

‘As it was the first occasion that a reigning monarch had entered the Port Stephens Shire, the visit to Williamtown was looked upon as the “local” visit, and from early morning car loads of residents of the Shire had been converging on Williamtown. There were also thousands of other people from areas too. The organisations in Port Stephens Shire had been allocated an area near the plane and this was taxed to the limit. The Queen was met at the aerodrome by the President of the Port Stephens Shire, Cr. Shearman and Mrs. Shearman, the Commandant of Williamtown ‘drome, Group Captain and Mrs. Davis, the Minister for Lands, Mr. Hawkins and Mrs. Hawkins.

 Fern Bay the ‘threshold’ of the Port Stephens Shire, was gaily decorated, on Tuesday, the 9th February, in anticipation of the passing through of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and the Duke of Edinburgh to Williamtown aerodrome. The Shire Council erected a most appropriate archway, with “Your Majesty, Port Stephens Shire Welcomes You” at the corner of Fullerton and Taylor Road. The framework of the arch was covered with branches of native trees and festooned with native flowers. It was a fitting decoration at the entrance to the first country township and Shire, that the Royal Couple were scheduled to pass through on their Australian tour.

A crowd of over 400 lined the road from end to end of the township, which was decorated along its entire, length. At 4.40 p.m. the Royal Procession was seen approaching at speed, and everyone in the crowd waved and cheered, and Her Majesty’s car did exactly what the people had hoped for, — it slowed down to about ten miles per hour and Her Majesty smiled and gaily waved to the happy throng. Very few saw the Duke of Edinburgh who was partly obscured in the closed car but the smiling face of our Queen will not be forgotten by the adults and children of Fern Bay, the first country township to be seen by the Royal visitors, in Australia on a car trip.’

Concluding Comments

Early residents of Port Stephens greatly admired Royalty.

The following paper published on this website explains the great joy experienced by the Port Stephens residents upon the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II:

A Royal Coronation Celebrated at Port Stephens – 2 June 1953

Over the years, visits to the Port Stephens region by several NSW Governors have excited the community. Relevant papers are published at these links on the website:

NSW Governor Visits Port Stephens – 1854

NSW Governor Visits Port Stephens – 1912

NSW Governor Visits Port Stephens – 1921

NSW Governor Visits Port Stephens – 1925

APPENDIX

Details of the Newcastle, Stockton and Williamtown itinerary.

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 8 February 1954, page 3, reported:

‘The Visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Newcastle tomorrow will be one of the big events in the city’s history. The first visit by a reigning monarch, it has been planned with all the care and precision of a military campaign.

In 3 hours 35 minutes, the Royal couple will complete an immense programme and travel 20 miles by car and Royal barge. The time schedule has been worked out to the minute. The 215 minutes the Queen and Duke will spend in Newcastle have been allocated as follows: Newcastle Railway Station, 5 minutes. Royal progress to the City Hall, 16 minutes. City Hall, 20 minutes. Journey from City Hall to Sports Ground, 3 minutes. Sports Ground, 20 minutes. Journey from Sports Ground to Showground, 12 minutes. Showground, 24 minutes. Journey from Showground to B.H.P., 15 minutes. B.H.P. inspection, 50 minutes. Trip from B.H.P. to Stockton, 15 minutes. Stockton, 4 minutes.

The Queen at Newcastle Showground [Newcastle City Library]

Journey from Stockton to Williamtown airport, 26 minutes. Williamtown airport, 5 minutes. The speed of the Royal car during the Royal progress (2.1 miles) will be 8 miles an hour, and from the City Hall to the Sports Ground (.6 mile) 15 miles an hour. Four speeds are set down for the three miles from the Sports Ground to the Showground. These are: From the Sports Ground to the junction of Union and Hunter Streets, 15 m.p.h.; along Hunter-street west to the junction of Tudor and Railway Streets, 10 m.p.h.; to Broadmeadow Nineways, 25 m.p.h.; Broad-meadow Nineways, 8 m.p.h.; from Nineways to the Showground, 25 m.p.h. The speed from the Showground to the B.H.P. (2.9 miles) will be 20 miles an hour, except from the run through Newcastle Technical College to Ferndale-street, which takes in the Tighe’s Hill shopping centre, where the speed will be reduced to 8 miles an hour. The 10.7 miles from Stock-ton ferry wharf to William-town airport is to be traversed at 35 miles an hour.

The total number of people who will meet the Queen officially, including two girls who will present bouquets, is 135. The Royal train will leave Sydney at 10.15 a.m. It will consist of two diesel engines, a power van, buffet coach, Railway Commissioner’s coach, Premier’s coach and Royal coach. The Royal coach, at the rear of the train, will have an observation platform. The Queen, Duke, Equerry Private Secretary and Lady-in-waiting will travel in this coach. Those in the Premier’s coach will be the Premier (Mr. Cahill), State tour organisers and the Police Commissioner (Mr. Delaney). The Commissioner’s coach will be occupied by the Commonwealth Director of the tour (Mr. Harrison), Director-General (Lieut. General F. H. Berryman), Commonwealth Executive Officer (Lieut. Colonel I. Hunter), the Commissioner for Railways (Mr. Winsor) and other railway officers.

The Queen on the Royal Train [Newcastle City Library]

Seven reporters and State and Commonwealth press liaison officials will travel in the buffet coach. Three railway technicians will be in the power van. Morning tea and luncheon will be served on the train. At 11.37 a.m. the Royal train will slow down at Gosford to 8 miles an hour. The Queen and Duke will appear on the observation platform. The public will be allowed access to both platforms and to goods yards north of the station. The train will also travel at 8 miles an hour through Wyong at 11.59 a.m. The Royal couple will again appear on the observation platform. The public will have access to the platforms and to the timber dump area along the line. The train will pull into No. 1 platform at Newcastle at 1.10 p.m. The engine will stop at a mark on the eastern end, near the buffer stop. The Royal coach will stop at another mark about 10 yards west of the platform awning. The Queen will be the first to leave the train, followed by the Duke.Other passengers will re-main on board till the Royal couple leave the platform through No. 1 barrier.

When the Queen alights, she will be met by the Minister for Lands (Mr. Hawkins) and Mrs. Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins’ will present the Stationmaster (Mr. R. Campbell). The Queen, escorted by Mr. Hawkins, and the Duke, accompanying Mrs. Hawkins, will then pass through the barrier. The Royal couple will walk down a specially constructed ramp to join their car, parked in the centre of Scott-street.

The visit will then proceed to the following timetable. 1.15 p.m.: Royal progress of 10 cars moves off from Newcastle Station. The progress will take up about 700 yards. Motorcyclists will be in the lead. They will be followed by the first car, carrying the State Marshal (Colonel Peters), the Commissioner of Police and the Royal Detective. This car will be followed by three mounted police and then a division of 12 troopers, who will form the front section of the escort for the Royal car. The Royal car will follow carrying the Queen, Duke and Equerry. After a rear division escort of 12 mounted police will be the third car, in which will be the Lady-in-waiting and Private Secretary. The other six cars will follow three more mounted police and at the rear will be another section of seven motor cyclists. These cars will carry the Premier (Mr. Cahill), State and Commonwealth tour organisers and reporters. There will be a reserve Royal car.

The route of the Royal progress to the City Hall will be via Scott, Watt, Church, and Pacific Streets, Shortland esplanade, Telford-street, Hunter-street to Union-street, Union-street and King-street.

1.31 P.M.: The Royal car will halt in the centre of King-street opposite the entrance to the dais. The dais has been erected on the City Hall steps from the height of the fifth step. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins will meet the Queen and Duke as they alight and will present the Lord Mayor (Ald. Purdue) the Lady Mayoress (Mrs. Purdue) and Town Clerk (Mr. Burges). The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress will escort the Queen and Duke to the dais. On the dais will be the Queen, Duke, some members of the Royal household, Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress and Town Clerk. 1.34 P.M.: The Lord Mayor will ask the Queen if she will take the Royal Salute. The band will play one verse of the National Anthem and troops lining the route will present arms. On the first note of the National Anthem, the Royal Standard will be unfurled.

At the end of the National Anthem, the Lord Mayor will present 85 people, including Parliamentary representatives, church leaders, aldermen, and mayors and presidents of adjoining shires. The time scheduled for the presentations is seven minutes. 1.42 P.M.: The Lord Mayor will read an address of welcome to the Queen and Duke and will hand the address to Her Majesty. 1.44 P.M.: The Queen will read a reply and hand it to the Lord Mayor. A Legacy ward, Miss Maureen Gordon, will then present a bouquet to the Queen on the dais. 1.46 P.M.: The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress will conduct the Roval visitors into the City Hall and escort them to the balcony on the first floor. From this position, the Queen and Duke will be clearly visible over a wide area about the City Hall, Civic Park and King-street. When the Royal couple return from the balcony, the Lord Mayor will invite them to sign the visitors’ book in the City Hall. 1.49 P.M.: The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress will escort the Queen and Duke to their car, which the Queen will enter from the right.

1.51 P.M.: Royal car will leave for the Sports Ground. The route will be via King and Ravenshaw Streets. 1.54 P.M.: The Royal car will enter via Ravenshaw-street gate and proceed clockwise around the oval to a dais. The Queen and Duke will be welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins, who will present Major-General J. D. Richardson. General Richardson will ask the Queen if she will take the Royal Salute. He will then invite the Royal couple to inspect the parade and accompany them on the inspection in a Land Rover. 2.7 P.M.: Back on the dais, Major-General Richardson will present four officials of ex-service organisations. 2.8 P.M.: Major-General Richardson will welcome the Queen and Duke. The Duke will address the assembly.

2.14 P.M.: The Royal car will depart by the Union-street gate for the Showground. The route to be followed will be Union, Hunter, Tudor, and Belford Street’s, and Broadmeadow and Curley Roads. 2.26 P.M.: The Royal car will enter by the Curley-road gate and will circle the oval clockwise before stopping at the dais. 2.32 P.M.: The Queen and Duke will be met by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, who will present the Area Director of Education (Mr. Drake). Mr. Drake will accompany the Royal visitors on an inspection by Land Rover of the assembled schoolchildren. The vehicle will make a complete circuit of the ranks of children forming the tableau, “Welcome To Our Gracious Queen.” 2.38 P.M.: Mr. Drake will conduct the Royal couple to the dais and present several education officials and their wives. 2.40 P.M.: Miss Joan Elvin will enter the dais and present a bouquet to the Queen. Mr. Drake will welcome the Royal visitors. Her Majesty will address the schoolchildren. The assembly will sing the National Anthem.

2.46 P.M.: Mr. Drake will escort the Queen and Duke from the dais and farewell them. The Royal car will drive partly round the oval and proceed to the Cohen gate at Brown-road. The route to the gate will be lined by about 4000 Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. 2.50 P.M.: The Royal car will pass through the Cohen gate and proceed to the B.H.P, via Brown-road, Chatham-road, Clyde-street, Technical College ground, Maitland-road, and Ingall, George and Selwyn Streets. 3.5 P.M.: Royal car will arrive at the B.H.P. administrative building, where the Royal couple will be welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins will present the Chairman of Directors of the B.H.P. (Mr. C. Y. Syme) and Mrs. Syme. Mr. and Mrs. Syme will conduct the Queen and Duke to the top of the stairway, and there Mr. Syme will present senior executives of the board and Newcastle works officers. The Queen and Duke may then retire to a Royal suite.

An afternoon tea has been arranged at which the Royal couple can mingle informally with the guests if they desire. This function will be attended by certain officers of the B.H.P. and associated companies and their wives. 3.17 P.M.: The Royal car will leave the administrative building for an inspection of the works. The Royal couple will visit the ferro-alloy plant, coke ovens, bloom mill, open hearth and blast furnaces. At each department the Newcastle Manager (Mr. D. Norgard) will present the superintendent of the department and two employees.

3.55 P.M.: The Royal barge will depart for the Stockton passenger wharf. This vessel will carry the Queen and Duke, Royal household, the Premier, State Director (Mr. Roper) and State Executive Officer (Mr. A. M. Lake). Another launch will carry Commonwealth tour authorities, Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins, and reporters. A third launch will join the convoy as a reserve. On the way across the harbour, the Royal barge will pass a line of sailing boats and other craft, which will be gaily decorated to form a pageant of welcome.

4.10 P.M.: The Royal party will arrive at Stockton ferry wharf. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress will meet them and escort them to their car. If any unusual circumstances arise which make it impossible for the Queen to make the harbour crossing an alternative plan will be adopted. The visit to the B.H.P. will be cut by 10 minutes and the Royal car will leave for Williamtown at 3.45 p.m. Then route to Williamtown will then be via Ingall, Crebert and Church Streets, Maitland-road, Hexham Bridge, and Williamtown-road via Tomago. The distance is 20 miles, and the speed is set down at 30 miles an hour.

4.15 P.M.: The Royal car will leave Stockton for Williamtown aerodrome. The route will be via Mitchell and Hereford Streets and Fullerton-road. 4.40 P.M.: The Queen and Duke will be met at the airport by Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins, who will present the Commandant of the School of Land-Air Warfare (Group Captain Davis). The Royal visitors will be farewelled by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, the President of Port Stephens Shire Council (Cr. Shearman) and Mrs. Shearman, and the Town Clerk (Mr. Burges) and Mrs. Burges. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins will escort the Queen and Duke to the gangway of their plane. 4.45 P.M.: The Royal plane will depart for Evans Head. The Queen and Duke will reach Lismore at dusk and stay overnight. Next day they will visit Lismore, Casino and Dubbo.’

Researched and compiled by Kevin McGuinness

April 2025