I remember being in North Sydney park as a school child, to welcome the Queen on her first visit to Australia. It was a most exciting day. Since then, I have been inspired by her resilience in the face of adversity, her service to her country and the Commonwealth, and her humility, leadership, and humanity. Rest In Peace your majesty. – Carmel Brooks

I stood on the banks of the Thames at Tower Hill for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The rain tumbled down but the crowds were massive, watching the Queen at the head of the river pageant. It was such a joyous, momentous early June day. To my surprise, just over two weeks later, I had the opportunity to meet her majesty at Royal Ascot as she fawned over Black Caviar, the unbeaten Australian mare who had just won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. Her knowledge of horses and of racing was as good as any person I have met and she fondly recalled her 1997 Melbourne Cup runner Arabian Story. Today is a very sad day – as an Australian, as a racing fan, as a global citizen. The world as we know it is simply not the same without Queen Elizabeth II at the helm. – Andrew

She was one of the few people of high office in this world, who made a promise early in her life and through a deep sense of duty kept it right until the end of her life. – Veronica Ranyard

Heart-wrenching to hear of the much loved and admired Queen Elizabeth. She has served her country with such dignity and grace and was much loved worldwide. Now she will be with her beloved husband Prince Philip and will continue their journey side by side. God Bless her majesty for her devoted service, who never faltered or complained of her service to her country. Passing in her beloved Balmoral Residence. Forever remembered. – Mari Rothbauer

For the entirety of my life she was Queen, she will always have a place in my heart. – Lixxie

A gracious, poised, hard-working and dedicated person who optimised the principle of service to humanity. – Diane Fitzmaurice

Born in 1963 I have only ever known of life under the Queen. At primary school we sang God save the Queen at morning assembly and as an adult I went to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force. She has and always will be a piece of my heart, an idea of humble yet great love and humility, and an icon of a kinder and more gracious generation who lived a life of service. RIP. – Steve

For me, the queen epitomised stability, duty and grace. She was such a constant in our ever-changing world. In some ways I dread a world without her. Although I know she lived a privileged life, I am grateful for the way she handled herself and the example she gave amidst a world that is crumbling. I hope that Charles can draw everyone together the way she has. I am thankful for the way she died – with dignity to the end. She was a great gift to the world. – Vicki Hosking

The most extraordinary woman of the 20th century. – Peter Bartley

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The world has lost its brightest beacon. She was an exemplary example of how a leader should behave. A huge contrast to some of the world’s recent politicians. Truly selfless and often the institution of last resort. We all owe her a massive debt, which can only be repaid through service to others. – Marg Shonk

Farewell. At the last setting of the sun each day, may we continue to remember you fondly for the gracious joy and service you have given to all. – R Chee

Our universal grandmother is gone to join her great love. How beautiful to watch their gracious lives unfold and hold them in our hearts for so long. – Beth

No matter what turmoil existed in the world the Queen was a stable and calming influence. We grew up with our Queen and even though she was in a distant land we sang God Save the Queen at every assembly. It is a sad day for the world. Rest in Peace dearest Queen. – Geoff Stewart

I was fortunate enough to see the Queen three times in person. As a primary school student waving a small flag at the opening of my mum’s workplace in the 1990s. Once on her last trip to Australia in 2011 during the Perth commonwealth heads of government meeting, when I was a young student leader. And finally, during her last overseas trip, in Malta during the Commonwealth Summit. Her kindness as she made her way through the crowds always stood out, despite meeting so many people. I think one of the Queen’s greatest legacies will undoubtedly be her steadfast leadership of the Commonwealth of Nations. Although I’m far from a royalist, I’ve always been a big believer in the potential of this grouping of nations - so lovingly led by the Queen - to be a force for good in the world. - Michael Sheldrick

Queen Elizabeth II was devoted to her calling, dignified, respectful and capable. It is unlikely there will ever be another quite like her. - Keith Howden

I am shattered, totally shattered. RIP beautiful Queen Elizabeth II, the world will never be the same without you. I pray that our God blesses you for all that you have done. - Paula Sirone

I really thought you would live forever. I can’t imagine a world without Queen Elizabeth II. Rest in peace your majesty. - Ken

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My son Henry lives in London. One day we were standing near Buckingham Palace when we heard a helicopter overhead and around the corner came the Queen and Prince Phillip in a Royal car. It’s something special to see them live. - Geoff Moss

I felt shocked and saddened when I heard the news this morning of the Queen’s passing. Having been born in 1958, she is the only monarch whom I have known and has provided a great constancy over my life and times. I will miss her. - Ross Galloway

Like many, many others, she was the only Queen I had known during my life (51 years and counting) and the backdrop to life. I am neither a monarchist or a republican but I will miss a person I never met, who never met me but whose personality and dedication stood out over all these years. Vale my Queen. - Mandorallen

I was a school boy when she first came to Australia ‘when I did but see her passing buy’. Her entire life has been dedicated to people. Like all families her children had difficulties and I think she was a model mother in how she guided and assisted her children in a very public gaze through their emotional traumas.How she protected her teenage grandsons on the death of their mother Diana. So many times when the world saw only darkness Elizabeth our Queen saw light and hope. We are all the richer for her example. - Geoff Quinn

I remember being in the Guard of Honour in 1954 along Missenden Road when completing National Service. Also when she passed through Hurstville on a train. A very sad time for us all. Thank you for your long service. RIP. - Ronald Gordon Field

The Queen was a tremendous example of service, dedication and strength. I was heartbroken when she lost her great love, Phillip. She was a great example to all and can never be replaced. My Mum adored her and gave me her name. We have so many wonderful memories, especially her moments of fun. - Liz

As it has been said by many already, Her Majesty Elizabeth II has been the Queen my whole life. I have a deep found respect and love her grace, humility and dedication to serve until the end. I had the privilege to be at her Balmoral Estate during the Jubilee festivities in June. What a memory to be cherished. Rest In Peace. - Jonathan Zhao

There will never be another Queen Elizabeth. We have admired your grace and poise, intellect and leadership. Thank you. - Claire

As a baby boomer, for me the Queen has always been there. What a wonderful service HM has given to so many and will be missed by millions. She was like a Grandmother. Thank you and may your deal soul Rest in Peace. - David Francis

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I feel unaccountably sad today. I am not the most fervent monarchist in our family (mum and dad stopped everything for the Queen’s Christmas message!) but she encapsulated so many good qualities (honour, duty, decency and self-deprecating humour) sadly missing from so many public figures. - Mark McNair

My grandmother adored the Queen. She fussed over us to get ready and we walked down to the main road in Newcastle to watch the Queen drive by in her black limousine, waving through the windows. I was six years old. We children were holding Australian flags to wave. The Queen had disembarked her ship at the port of Newcastle, to drive past the crowds to continue to Sydney and Canberra. This was the Queen’s royal visit to Australia in 1970. - David Hart

“Victorious, happy and glorious.” She has been there in my life always. I have seen her seven times. The most wonderful Queen and leader. What a life! Love you Lillibet. Fly high. - Sheelagh Wannop

Your Majesty, you were, and remain, the most amazing role model of service, duty and love. You will live forever in our hearts. Perhaps the most remarkable woman who has ever lived. Thank you for your incredible life. - Carole Dent

I saw her twice in my life. I saw her in my hometown of Lismore in 1954 during pouring rain and I still remember what she was wearing. Many years later I saw her with her family during a reception at the Sydney Town Hall. A truly gracious and dedicated lady right to the end. - Daphne Freke

Thankyou Ma’am for your service and duty. The end of an era. - Martin

A lady I will never forget. Queen Elizabeth has fulfilled her pledge and has served her country, the Commonwealth and the nations of the world by her example, her graciousness and her life wisdom. I well remember her becoming Queen on the death of her wonderful father, King George IV. May she be welcomed in Heaven and now be able to rest in peace. - Noel Harding

Some tributes have been edited for clarity or length.