CQ Capras CEO remembers Jenny Hilcher as ‘larger than life’

A Central Queensland Capras stalwart, who “will be dearly missed” by her club and wider community, is being remembered as a vibrant volunteer and for her positivity throughout her brave battle with cancer.

Jenny Hilcher at the merchandise stall at the CQ Capras home games at Browne Park.

Community advocate Jenny Hilcher is being fondly remembered for her infectious personality and positive attitude.

Ms Hilcher, who was in her late 60s, succumbed on Friday afternoon to cancer, a disease that had ravaged her family.

In her life, she lost her eight-year-old son to a brain tumour, her sister to breast cancer and then her father to lung cancer.

She was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2006 and most recently, was undergoing rigorous treatment for brain cancer.

While she waged her own medical battle, she worked tirelessly to improve the lot of others.

She loved her community, and the community loved her back.

Ms Hilcher’s death is being felt deeply, particularly by members of the Rockhampton Leagues Club Capras with whom she volunteered for more than a decade.

Her warm smile and easy conversation always greeted customers as she manned the club’s merchandise stall at home games at Browne Park.

Jenny Hilcher was named the Rockhampton Regional Council Citizen of the Year in 2022. Picture: Aden Stokes

The club acknowledged her wonderful contribution with a minute’s silence before the first of the underage games kicked off on Saturday afternoon.

The Capras and Mackay under-17 girls teams stood arm-in-arm and spectators rose for a minute’s silence after a touching tribute paid by club CEO Peter White.

“Jenny was a really important part of our Capras family and a wonderful community supporter,” he said from the broadcast box.

“We’ll dearly miss her.”

Mr White also remembered how Ms Hilcher was named the Rockhampton Regional Council’s Citizen of the Year in 2022 for her contribution to the community.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said at the time Ms Hilcher was a well-respected community member and a prominent figure within many organisations and events that raised awareness and money for those affected by cancer.

Jenny Hilcher helped raise vital funds for Cancer Council Queensland.

“Jennifer’s volunteering activities began in 1996 and continue today, where she holds many different roles at Cancer Council Queensland and assists with a range of activities including Relay for Life, Daffodil Day, Walk for Women’s Cancer and Girls Night In,” he said.

“Her commitment to others is outstanding, and she is a well-deserving recipient of this award.”

Mr White also acknowledged Ms Hilcher’s selflessness and tireless efforts.

He said that despite all her personal challenges and family tragedy, Ms Hilcher was always “larger than life”.

“Jenny was Jenny; she was bubbly, happy, talkative,” he said.

“She just had that pleasant personality that rubbed off on everybody else.

“She was full of energy, and a very vibrant and positive person.

“She did so much, not only for the Capras but so many worthy causes in the community, particularly her fundraising for cancer.”

Mr White passed on his sincerest condolences to Ms Hilcher’s family and friends.