Gympie community mourns Roxanne MacGregor after sudden death

Emotional tributes have poured in for Gympie community stalwart and accessibility advocate Roxanne MacGregor following her shock death.

Friends and family say Roxanne MacGregor will be remembered for her selflessness and community advocacy.

Whether for her outstanding community contribution or artistic rigour, Roxanne MacGregor will be remembered across the Gympie region.

Ms MacGregor died on Thursday November 3, aged 60 after a short bout with illness.

She was due to celebrate her birthday just two days later.

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Ms MacGregor was known for her unrelenting fight for accessibility across the Gympie region.

She is survived by her mother Di, carer and long-time friend Barbara and loyal canine companion Wilson.

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Ms MacGregor’s pride and joy was her 28 year-old son Brandan MacGregor.

Mr MacGregor said he hopes his mother will be most remembered for her selflessness, good humour and love of beer.

Barbara Berwick and Roxanne Macgregor at the Gympie Times Ladies Race Day 2021, an event Roxanne was particularly fond of. Picture: Elizabeth Neil.

“One of the biggest things for her was how much she did for the community,” he said.

“She had a large impact in helping people with a disability get to enjoy everything.

“She was very greatly respected across the community and did a whole lot of work.”

Ms MacGregor was one of the co-founders of the award-winning Bravo Disability Support Network in 2005, as well as the president of the Cooloola Human Services Network.

The Bravo team, including Roxanne MacGregor, at the 2021 Gympie Business Awards, where they won not-for-profit of the year. Picture: Gympie Chamber of Commerce.

Friend and Cooloola Human Service Network/Bravo colleague Cindy Buchan said Ms MacGregor acted as a mentor to her for the last eight years.

“I first met Roxanne in the community attending one of the disability art exhibitions,” Ms Buchan said.

She said Ms MacGregor was instrumental in her fight for disability access and care in Gympie, and her loss has been significantly felt.

“There’s been an outpouring of grief and shock,” she said.

“Roxanne had lots of different community connections.”

Roxanne MacGregor with artist Stephanie Robson displaying their work.

Gympie mayor Glen Hartwig said Ms MacGregor’s contribution to Gympie was unmatched.

“Roxanne was a wonderful, inspiring individual who has helped shape our town and region to be one that is more understanding of those with disabilities,” he said.

“She didn’t ask for handouts, was fiercely independent and at all times thought about others before herself.”

Mr Hartwig said he was personally thankful for Ms MacGregor’s impact on his life.

“She opened my eyes to life for those with disabilities and for that I am forever grateful,” he said.

“Roxanne was someone we could all look up to.”

Roxanne MacGregor was a popular community member, renowned for her tireless advocacy work. Picture: supplied.

Ms MacGregor was also a prominent local artist and founder of the Community Futures Project art group, which Ms Buchan said had played a pivotal role in the careers of many successful artists.

“She’s been instrumental in showcasing artists with a disability in the Gympie region,” she said.

As a passionate community advocate, Ms MacGregor also started Just Cruising, a program which helps people with disabilities go on cruise holidays.

Ms Buchan said this program had touched many people in the region.

“It was such a blessing for a lot of people in our community who would never get that opportunity,” she said.

At her request, the community has organised an event to celebrate Ms MacGregor’s life on Thursday November 10.

It will be held from 1pm to 4.30pm at the Pavilion.

The event invitation features a quote by an unknown author.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”