Connected and passionate are just some of the words to describe the late Margaret McCartney, as the community mourns the passing of the prominent Epping advocate.
Anyone who knew Ms McCartney knows her love for her town and her passion for all things nature.
When first diagnosed with cancer, she found solace in spending time amongst trees, gardens and green space; something that fuelled her advocacy work, once in remission, to protect what is left of local vegetation and keep Local and State Governments accountable.
Even in the last few years when she fell ill again, she continued her life purpose of preserving open green spaces and trees around Epping.
City of Parramatta Epping Ward Councillors, who knew her best, said she was an asset to the community that will be missed.
“Parks and trees and greenspaces were very dear to Margaret,” Councillor Lorraine Wearne said.
“It helped her get her head around her condition at the time.
“I think it’s important that we recognise trees and parks aren’t just about finding somewhere for kids to go and kick a football but there’s a psychological thing about green spaces that actually make our brains think differently and calm down.
“Margaret was a credit to our community and she worked so hard to maintain the things that to her were very important and to many of us as well.”
Ms McCartney was most known for her dedication to leading the ‘Save Epping’s Forest Park’ campaign and for her work with the Epping Civic Trust, the Trust’s Tree Subcommittee and Parramatta Bushcare.
Epping Civic Trust President, Janet McGarry said “Epping is a poorer place without her presence”.
“She lived all her life in the Eastwood/Epping area and as it has changed, she was willing to step forward to try and improve it for residents in so many ways,” she said.
“I will miss her companionship, guidance, passion and energy.”
For those who never knew her, many still benefited from her tireless efforts to preserve the leafy nature of Epping.
A memorial service was held on Friday, April 9 at Uniting Church Chester Street, Epping.
The City of Parramatta Council will now investigate to install a bench and plant a tree at Forest Park in her memory.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.