The legacy of former Lismore City Councillor Jenny Dowell is sure to linger for many locals and her advocacy for women in local government has not been forgotten.
Ms Dowell started serving in local government in the late 1990’s, spending twelve years as a Lismore City Councillor including eight as mayor.
She received an OAM for services to local government and the community in 2017.
Ms Dowell accepted voluntary assisted death last Tuesday 24 March, after making the decision publicly late in her terminal illness.
The Lismore City Council released a statement acknowledging her service and promising a formal motion of condolence at its next meeting.
Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye shared a public tribute on behalf of the neighbouring shire to the late former Lismore City Mayor Jenny Dowell the next day.
‘Jenny was everywhere in Lismore’
‘I would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution of beloved former Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell OAM to the North Coast and Lismore,’ Cr Ndiaye wrote in a statement to media.
‘Most recently she supported mayors as a mentor, working with around 40 mayors,’ she wrote, ‘and was passionate about her work with the Cancer Council and the Red Cross’.
‘Jenny’s passion for community, for Lismore, was completely and utterly at the heart of everything she did.
‘She was definitely generous. I could always ring her and ask for advice whenever needed.
‘Everyone knew who Jenny Dowell was and that she did all she did with grace, care and thoughtfulness.
‘Jenny was a straight shooter and had such clarity and warmth when she spoke – she was a natural leader who was passionate about the role of Local Government and worked tirelessly to get more women involved and mentor them.
‘She served as President of the Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils, pushing for regional benefits and recognition.
‘Jenny was everywhere in Lismore – volunteering, walking, running, supporting local theatre.
‘No matter how busy she was she always had time for a chat, and she made people feel like they mattered.
‘Jenny Dowell was a wonderful woman who lived an extraordinary life serving the people she loved.
‘Her passion and kindness will live on and her memory will be cherished by us all.’
Public service reminder
A service is to be held in honour of Ms Dowell tomorrow, 31 March in the Quad, Lismore from 10am (AEST).
The event is to be livestreamed for absent, interstate and overseas friends.
People are invited to donate in Ms Dowell’s honour to the Cancer Council in lieu of giving flowers.
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