Shire of Waroona honours legacy of Queen Elizabeth II with planting of roses in her name at council offices

The late Queen Elizabeth II has been honoured by the Shire of Waroona, with roses named after the monarch being planted at the council’s offices.

Over a dozen community members gathered on Friday for the official unveiling of the roses, held on the first anniversary of her death at age 96.

Shire president Mike Walmsley used the event to pay tribute, describing her 70 years of service as “an amazing effort”.

“Right up to the last few moments of her life, she was still working,” he said.

“She was just an incredible person.”

Cr Walmsley noted it had taken the council months to get hold of the rose following the monarch’s death.

“It took us a little while to get these roses and we thought we would wait until the anniversary of her passing to unveil them,” he said.

The Queen Elizabeth rose was created in 1954 to mark her ascension to the British throne, with the plant described by Shire staff as hardy once established and bearing fragrant pink flowers.

Four have been planted in a garden outside the main entrance to council offices, with a plaque noting the reason for their planting also being installed.

They make part of a new two-tier garden which was recently replanted by staff, with colour and low maintenance being the key design features.

Cr Walmsley thanked them for their work.

“They have done an amazing job in to get it back into shape,” he said.