Decision details

Moved by Councillor Weldon, seconded by the Chair (the Lord Mayor) -

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         the recent passing of Rosalind (Ros) Maybanke Strong AM;

(ii)        Ros was a remarkable woman and was well known and admired in Sydney and beyond. She was a brave, compassionate and generous leader with an incredible sense of purpose;

(iii)      her career spanned 35 years in the NSW public service, retiring as the Director of the Heritage Office in 2002. Earlier she worked in school education and then was Assistant Director General, Employment and Training Co-ordination. Ros had a profound influence on education in Australia, particularly in migrant and multicultural education;

(iv)      Ros served as Chair of numerous not-for-profit and non-government organisations, including the Sydney Community Foundation, UNIFEM Australia, the Asthma Foundation of NSW, the University of Sydney Union Foundation and Museums and Galleries NSW;

(v)       Ros was a passionate and highly effective advocate for women’s right. As Michele Goldman relayed, “She was not one to settle with the status quo and was passionate in the quest to do better and encourage and inspire those around her to do the same. Strategically astute, articulate and persuasive, no challenge was too great for Ros.”;

(vi)      Ros and her husband Tony were married for 50 years. They were a true team. They cared deeply for each other, for their family and for their friends. They opened up their home and their hearts to many; and

(vii)     Ros will be greatly missed by all who knew her;

(B)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to Ros’ family expressing Council’s condolences; and

(C)      all persons attending this meeting of Council observe one minute’s silence to commemorate the life of Rosalind Strong.

Carried unanimously.

Note – All Councillors, staff and members of the public present stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect to Rosalind Maybanke Strong.

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