Former Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell dies aged 75

FORMER Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell has died at her home in Goonellabah, aged 75, after a long battle with cancer.

Dowell, a widely respected figure in the Northern Rivers community, had chosen voluntary assisted dying as her condition deteriorated.

A death notice posted by her family on Tuesday confirmed she “passed away peacefully at her home in Goonellabah surrounded by her loving family”.

Her husband Ron Dowell said in a social media post she had died peacefully at home.

“Jenny my beautiful wife of 46 years died peacefully at home this morning.”

 

 

Dowell had served as mayor of Lismore from 2008 to 2016 and remained active in community life long after leaving elected office, including volunteering with the Red Cross during the region’s flood recovery.

In February, she spoke openly about her terminal diagnosis and her decision to stop treatment, saying she wanted to remain calm and in control as she prepared for the end of her life.

Over recent weeks she had continued to attend community events where possible, including a tribute night at Star Court Theatre that drew hundreds of people from across the arts, local government and volunteer sectors.

The event highlighted the breadth of her influence in Lismore, where she was known for championing cultural initiatives, environmental campaigns and inclusive approaches to civic leadership.

 

 

Dowell first moved to the Northern Rivers in the early 1990s when her husband accepted a role at Southern Cross University.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer just days after being elected mayor in 2008 but continued to serve while undergoing treatment, later mentoring other mayors and contributing to a wide range of regional organisations.

Her involvement extended to boards and committees including the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, NORPA and suicide prevention initiatives, as well as advocacy around issues such as the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and coal seam gas.

 

 

Federal member for Richmond Justine Elliot paid tribute on social media, describing Dowell as “one of the best mayors we have ever seen”.

“A titan of the Labor Party on the North Coast,” Elliot wrote.

“Your legacy has changed the North Coast forever. Lismore and Labor to the core. All my love to Ron and the family.”

A public celebration of her life will be held at The Quad on Keen Street in Lismore on March 31, with a private cremation to follow.

Her family has asked that donations be made in her memory to the Cancer Council.

She is survived by her husband Ron, children Georgie, Tim and Kat, and extended members of the Adamson and Dowell families.