Jill was my little sister. We were born almost three years apart and had the usual sibling rivalry as kids. Our family emigrated to Australia in 1951 for a better climate as Jill suffered from chronic bronchitis.
Jill went to an Anglican girls school and was a brilliant student, as well as being good at all sports – so good that I didn’t try to compete with her because she always wanted to win. I thought that we had very different personalities but when we both lived in Brisbane in later years I found we had more in common. She was a huge support to me and was a lovely aunt to my kids during their formative years and later on. She taught them about the joys of the bush and how to live lightly on the land. Jill inspired me to become involved in community and convinced me that I could always speak in public if I believed in, and was passionate about my subject. She selflessly cared for our mum, almost until Barbara died. Then, she repeated this caring for our dad when he had a stroke, and up to his death two and a half years ago.
When I settled in Maleny in 1990 Jill encouraged me to continue my involvement with community – but I had to remind people that I simply wasn’t her.
Jill had such a drive and lust for life almost to the end of her illness. She moved to Bowen to sail, swim and walk on the beaches, but being Jill, she got involved in local politics, landcare and singing – a good balance.
I saw close up how Jill inspired so many people and was a good friend and mentor to all those with whom she came in contact. I know that her inspirational legacy will live on in those people who knew her, and of course with me, her sister.
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