Former Townsville councillor Fran O’Callaghan dies as tributes flow for a ‘community champion’

Former councillor and mayoral candidate Fran O’Callaghan has died aged 56, with friends paying tribute to the passionate North Queenslander.

Fran O'Callaghan has passed away. Picture: Evan Morgan

Former Townsville councillor and mayoral candidate Fran O’Callaghan has died.

Last year, the one-term councillor revealed she was battling ovarian cancer and took a break from her public duties.

She later returned with a bang, saying she would take on former Mayor Jenny Hill in the recent election.

However, in February, Ms O’Callaghan revealed she would be pulling out of the race due to her health.

Blogger Malcolm Weatherup told the community of his friend’s death, saying the 56-year-old died “peacefully in her home” surrounded by her family, including her husband Peter.

Ms O’Callaghan, who was known for her fierce determination and unwavering support for parts of the community she thought were ignored, made the decision to run for council in hopes of bringing change.

She felt the way the city was run was not meeting the standards of the broader community and wanted to make a difference.

Grazier Fran O'Callaghan at Mount Flagstaff Station at Woodstock in 2019. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mayoral challenger Fran O'Callaghan established a campaign office at Oonoonba in late April. Picture: Supplied.

However, Ms O’Callaghan was forced to leave politics due to her health, saying: “I must however, accept the fact that I may not be able to continue in the election for Mayor, or in the coming months and years, have the ability to conduct mayoral duties to their full capacity”.

Ms O’Callaghan replaced former Deputy Mayor Les Walker as the Division 10 councillor in February 2021.

It was in January 2023 that she revealed she was battling ovarian cancer.

Despite receiving treatment on the Gold Coast, Cr O’Callaghan vowed to keep representing residents and ratepayers.

Former Division 10 Councillor Fran O'Callaghan launching her campaign in March to be Townsville's next mayor. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“It is now just over three weeks since my surgery and I am feeling very well and am back working in my role,” she said at the time.

“Chemo is bound to be unpleasant and I understand it will slow me a little bit, but I have faith that I will come out stronger and more able at the other end.”

Mr Weatherup shared on social media that he was proud to have become her friend.

“I personally have lost a friend I admired greatly for her grit and courage in the face of daunting challenges on all fronts,” he said.

“It is a great loss for this city, Fran was a true community champion.”

Friend and former colleague Sue Blom told the Bulletin she would treasure Ms O’Callaghan’s unwavering support in the three years they worked together and ever since.

“I’m devastated and saddened at her loss and proud to have called her my friend,” she said.

Ms O’Callaghan was farewelled in a private service.

Originally published as Former Townsville councillor Fran O’Callaghan dies as tributes flow for a ‘community champion’