Former UNE Council member and alumna Jillian Oppenheimer passed away earlier this month. A ministerial appointment, she served on council from August 2002 to August 2006. She is remembered as a passionate supporter of academia and arts, especially history and unafraid to voice her opinions. She brought a deeper understanding of the region and its needs to council.

The local Walcha legend graduated with a Master of Arts with Honours in 1979 and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to heritage conservation and the environment, particularly through the National Trust of Australia in 1999.

Jill’s interest in all things historical also extended to gardens. She was a founding member of the Australian Garden History Society (AGHS) and described as a “joyful, excellent companion on visits to gardens.”