Cr Neil Fisher farewelled in touching memorial service

Cr Neil Fisher’s heartbroken daughter has told a packed church at her father’s funeral that he lived more in his “60 years than most people would in 10 lifetimes”.

Neil Fisher from Fishers Nursery - promo for Nerimbera Soccer Fete and his pot plant stand. Photo Sharyn O'Neill / The Morning Bulletin ROK260711sner1

Memories of darting back to Rocky when a fire came close to his family home and “unwavering passion” for all things horticulture have been touchingly shared by family and friends at a celebration of Rockhampton councillor Neil Fisher’s life.

Family and friends were joined by a cross-section of the people at the Rockhampton Baptist Church in Norman Gardens on Wednesday to honour the beloved character, from high-profile politicians and business people to police officers, who passed away on July 1 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Tributes from Cr Fisher’s family, close friends, council and community groups illustrated just how many people’s lives were touched by the gardening guru who left behind a loving wife, one daughter, three sons, two granddaughters, a younger sister, and a region that loved him.

Former Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow also did a reading at the beginning of the service.

Neil Fisher. Picture: Aden Stokes

Cr Fisher’s daughter Jessamine stood side-by-side with her husband Anthony, and brothers Corey, Gabriel and James.

“Although we are heartbroken dad’s life was shorter than it should have been, he lived more in those 60 years than most people would in 10 lifetimes,” she said.

Cr Fisher met the love of his life Sherrie at the 16th birthday party for his sister Leah.

The pair began dating at the end of Sherrie’s year 12 schooling, before getting engaged in 1989 and married in 1990.

Their first child, daughter Jess, was born in 1992.

“Dad often mentioned his kids kept him young, I guess that explains the big age gaps,” Jess said.

“Dad always said that being a grandad was the best job he ever had.”

Cr Fisher, encouraged by his dad’s love of native plants, opened Fishers Nursery in 1975 – the first native plant nursery in Central Queensland.

“Dad’s involvement with the nursery was immediate, and started his lifelong love affair with plants,” Jess read.

“Beginning with retail selling, it branched into garden design and landscaping. Dad’s fingerprints are on many homes, businesses and tourism sites around Central Queensland and beyond.”

Neil Fisher was well-known for his love of horticulture and gardening.

Through Cr Fisher’s love of horticulture lead him to serving on many industry committees and even on the Australian Nursery Industry team, which gave him his first international experience, where he was involved in international garden festivals in England, Australia and Japan.

In 1986 he was able to meet Queen Elizabeth II at the Adelaide event, a moment he was particularly proud of.

Cr Fisher was first elected to Rockhampton City Council in 2000 and after amalgamation he was elected to Rockhampton Regional Council in 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024.

“His entire family were always roped into election campaigns, especially the babies,” Jess said.
“I would be here all day if I listed all the portfolios, roles and committees he served on but as everyone is aware his passion was waste and recycling and the airport.

“I’ve been told of the energy in which he called out the LAWMAC war cry.

Councillor Neil Fisher at The Lakes Creek Road Waste Management Facility recycling area.

“He had such a huge love and passion for serving his division and the whole Rockhampton area and all its people.”

In the time since Cr Fisher’s passing his family have reminisced their countless stories and memories of their beloved dad and husband, including his heroics saving his daughter after she fell into a river and racing home when fire came close to their property.

Cr Fisher’s family also read a number of tributes from Cr Brett Moller, from Cairns Regional Council who serves on LAWMAC, Rockhampton Airport Manager Marcus Vycke and the Rockhampton Relay for Life committee, just to name a few, who all shared fond memories of Cr Fisher’s unwavering support, even when he was fighting how own health battle.

Cr Cherie Rutherford, on behalf of Mayor Tony Williams, also read a touching tribute from the team of councillors.