Rockhampton Regional Council Division 2 Councillor Neil Fisher passes away

Beloved Rockhampton councillor, former deputy mayor and acting mayor, Neil Fisher, has lost his long battle with cancer and tragically passed away.

Beloved Rockhampton councillor, former deputy mayor and acting mayor, Neil Fisher, has lost his long battle with cancer and tragically passed away.

His family today announced the renowned green thumb who enthusiastically represented Division 2, made up of Mount Archer, Frenchville, Koongal and Lakes Creek, and lead the Rockhampton Airport portfolio throughout his illness and a heart attack.

“It is with deep sadness that we share that our beloved husband, father and grandfather Neil Fisher passed away yesterday following a long battle with cancer,” his family wrote in their statement.

“Neil was an extraordinary individual who loved and lived every moment of every day. He loved people, he loved their stories, their passions and their interests.

“He was a dedicated servant of our community and most importantly, the heart of our family.

Neil Fisher.

“We would like to thank the staff at Rockhampton Hospital for their exemplary care and support over recent weeks. They have been nothing short of outstanding.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has reached out and offered their thoughts and prayers during this period. Neil’s last weeks were spent surrounded by friends and family with his warmth and genuine interest in those around him continuing to shine through.

“While we appreciate many across the community will feel this loss and will want to offer their condolences and support, we ask for privacy for our family at this time.

“For those who wish to offer their sympathies and thoughts, a condolence book is available at Rockhampton City Hall on Bolsover Street, Rockhampton.

“Further information on funeral and memorial arrangements will be made available in the coming days.

“Thank you.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Deputy Mayor Neil Fisher and Mayor Tony Williams hand down the 2022/2023 Budget

A heartbroken Mayor Tony Williams described his friend and colleague as a unique person who loved the community.

“It is with truly deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Cr Neil Fisher,” Cr Williams said.

“Neil was a friend, a colleague and a support to so many across the community.

“He was unique. Easy to say but it is simply the truth.

“He loved this community - its people and its places.

“I worked with Neil for more than two decades and over that time I saw firsthand this love of people, their lives and their passions overflow from him. It was there in every conversation, every discussion, every time someone came to him with a problem or issue.

“He was curious about others, excited by challenges, committed to solving problems and had an effervescent for helping people.

“He was the very best in the tradition of local government and council - a champion of the community and for the community.

“He was a person who walked towards big problems and not away from them. He was always willing to engage in debate, in discussion and consider how - as Councillors and leaders in the community - we could help make people’s lives better.

“This earned my friendship and respect and the friendship and respect of so many across Queensland.

Former Mayor Margaret Strelow shared a recent photo of her and Neil Fisher at the opening of her campaign office.

“Neil will be greatly missed - near and far.

“Let his unwavering commitment to others serve as an inspiration to you. Strive to make things better, to love people and our community, and above all be a champion of others and our Region.

“Finally, Neil’s greatest achievement and most cherished love was his family. He loved them and was a proud husband, father and grandfather.

“I want to acknowledge them during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them.

“Vale Neil. You will be missed.”

Independent candidate and former Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow said Cr Fisher was “a man of courage and conviction”.

“I offer my condolences to Sherrie Fisher and the family of Councillor Neil Fisher. He will be sadly missed,” she said.

“Neil has been a good friend to many and strong and passionate advocate for our community for many years. When Neil decided something needed to happen- he was relentless. He was a hard man to argue with.

“Neil was a man of courage and conviction with an astounding work ethic. I had been able to visit him a few times in the last few months. Neil spoke at the opening of my

“Campaign Office in late April. I think this was one of his last public engagements. Not a great photo.. but one I will treasure.”

Cr Fisher was one of Rockhampton’s long-serving councillors, serving across many portfolios since he was first elected to the former Rockhampton City Council in 2000 and serving until 2004.

He was then elected to the amalgamated Rockhampton Regional Council in 2012 and re-elected in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

Cr Neil Fisher in front of a Virgin 737.

Neil served as deputy mayor for four years from 2020 and held a number of key councillor portfolios throughout his career, including waste, water and Rockhampton Airport.

Neil was also active in many local government groups and organisations, including serving as President of the Local Authority Waste Management Action Committee (LAWMAC) and held close friendships with many councillors across the sector.

Neil advocated for and secured many projects during his time on council.

His major passion and advocacy was around the Rockhampton Airport and its continued development and improvement.

Gardening guru Neil Fisher in the rose garden at the Alpha Town Hall. The roses were planted in April this year and are all coming into full bloom now.

He was also dedicated to increasing and delivering environmental initiatives across the region including improving the health and biodiversity of Rockhampton’s creeks and waterways, and the establishment of new walking tracks and recreation areas.

Outside council, Neil was a father of four and was involved in his family’s plant nursery business for over 45 years.

His gardening columns for The Morning Bulletin were popular among both readers and staff.