Ushered in by the Croydon Brass Band, her Majesty Queen Victoria accompanied by Prince Albert graced the Gulf Station Empire Day evening celebrations, as the inaugural event in her majesty's first ever visit to Australia since ascending to the throne in 1837. Introduced by Govenor Charles Latrobe, Queen Victoria warmly addressed the assembled 'colonial' Victorian families (in a slightly deeper Pythonesque voice than one might have expected). In return they gave a rousing rendition of 'God Save the Queen'. The Prince, ably assisted by our gallant CFA volunteers, ignited a bonfire to signal the start of royal birthday festivities which culminated in a truly spectacular firework display over the Yarra Valley.