Townsville City Council has endorsed a proposal to install a commemorative plaque, bench and tree at Anderson Botanic Gardens in honour of the late Ms Jenny Sebba, recognising her significant contributions to the community and her enduring connection to the city's natural environment.
Councillor Andrew Robinson said the request was submitted by North Queensland Wildlife Care, and was assessed under Council's Memorials and Commemorative Items Policy.
"The memorial will be located within the Anderson Botanic Gardens – an area of deep personal significance to Ms Sebba and a fitting place to acknowledge her passion for local biodiversity and conservation," Cr Robinson said.
A long term Mysterton resident, Ms Sebba was widely known for her extensive volunteer work across Townsville.
She dedicated countless hours to community service, environmental stewardship and organisational leadership, contributing to a range of local institutions, conservation efforts and cultural organisations. Her commitment left a lasting impact on community wellbeing and the protection of local wildlife and natural habitats.
Divisional councillor Liam Mooney said the memorial was a meaningful way to honour Ms Sebba's legacy.
"Jenny gave so much of her time, energy and heart to this community," Cr Mooney said.
"Her work touched countless lives, and Anderson Gardens was a place she truly loved. This memorial will give residents a peaceful spot to reflect on her remarkable contributions."
NQ Wildlife Care president Dominique Thiriet said she was overjoyed that Jenny would be recognised and officially remembered at the Anderson Botanic Gardens, which she loved so much.
"Jenny was NQ Wildlife Care's Treasurer for many years and was dedicated to our organisation, our members and the animals we care for - she was so inspiring in her quiet achiever kind of way and is sorely missed," she said.
"Jenny volunteered her time and skills for an impressive number of organisations and causes in Townsville, including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Coastal Dry Tropics, JCU Clinical Skills Unit, NQ Conservation Council, NQ Wildlife Care, Qld Museum Tropics, University of the Third Age, Women's Centre and Multicultural Support Group. Her last act of volunteering was to donate her body to the JCU Human Bequest Program.
"Jenny was the kind of volunteer every organisation dreams of: hard worker, committed, intelligent, inspiring, kind and with a fierce wit and subtle sense of humour.
"Jenny's contribution to the Townsville community was extraordinary and we are so grateful that it has been given recognition by the Townsville City Council".
Cr Robinson said the strong support for the proposal reflected the depth of Ms Sebba's influence.
"The number of organisations who wrote in support speaks volumes about Jenny's positive impact," he said.
"It's clear she was admired across many sectors, from conservation to education, culture and community care."
Letters of support were received from Queensland Museum Tropics, James Cook University, The Women's Centre, North Queensland Conservation Council, North Queensland Wildlife Care, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, and U3A Townsville.
Installation of the commemorative elements will proceed in the coming months in consultation with North Queensland Wildlife Care.
