Pioneering Blackall-Tambo mayor, Jan Ross passed away at home

Not only was she the first mayor of the amalgamated council but she was the first woman from either the Tambo or Blackall shires to take on the role of chair or mayor.

She was a driving force in both the Tambo Country Women's Association branch and the organisation generally, and was regarded by many as a champion for women in the bush.

So strongly did she oppose the 2007 Labor government decision to amalgamate rural shires that she threw a cup of water at Premier Peter Beattie when he visited Barcaldine prior to the legislation being passed.

Janice 'Jan' Cecily Ross passed away suddenly at her Charleville district home, Byrgenna on the morning of December 3.

According to her funeral notice, she "passed away in the place she adored, doing what she loved".

"Mum loved the bush and all its offerings, she embraced her life on the land and within the bush community," it reads.

One of those deeply affected by her passing is Carroll Abel, a former work colleague and near-neighbour on the Ward Road.

Ms Abel said she would be greatly missed as a pillar of strength to not only people living on the road but to the communities generally.

"I'm sad that her knowledge and championing of rural women and their families is gone," she said.

"She never had a problem saying it like it is, and she was well aware of the patriarchy in local government.

"She did her best to break down those barriers."

Current Blackall-Tambo mayor Andrew Martin paid tribute to her fortitude at the helm of the newly-formed council region from 2008 to 2012.

"It would have been the most horrible job in Queensland, being the first mayor of a council that was a bad fit in the mergers," he said.

"She took the job on though and took it on willingly and passionately.

"I believe she paved the way for others to follow, so that we now have a successfully united shire."

Jan had served a term as councillor on the Tambo shire prior to amalgamation.

Speaking on behalf of the Tambo CWA, Tammy Johnson and Daurae Fulton described Jan as a very insightful lady with a down to earth, hardworking and positive attitude.

"She was an inspirational, caring, kind and strong woman," they wrote. "When she spoke, people listened and her wisdom and experience always made what she had to say worth listening to."

Another Tambo district resident, Nina Mayne said Jan was well known, admired and loved in the community.

"She was a reassuring presence to have around, mastering many wonderful qualities - integrity, humility, generosity, authenticity, and respect of self and others, to name a few," she said. "Those of us left behind have beautiful memories."

Jan is succeeded by her sister Bron Davis, her children James, Drew and Sannah, and her grandchildren Emma, Harry, Tommy, Lachlan, Alice, Maggie and Nicolas.

Her funeral will be held at Centenary Memorial Gardens, Wacol Station Road, Sumner, on Friday, December 17 at 10.30am.

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