Tributes flow for Rosalind O'Connor

One of the state’s premier farming families lost its matriarch on July 3, 2026, with the passing of Rosalind Hermanie O’Connor, aged 89.

A loved mother and grandmother whose impact on the wider community has been far-reaching, she is described by her children Roderic O’Connor, who runs the family farm Connorville at Cressy and Julie Farrell, who resides in Melbourne with her two children, as “an amazing complete package”.

Ros, as she was known to friends, lived a large and inspiring life on the land but was very much a well educated woman of the world, often travelling overseas.

Born in 1937 in Hobart, Ros (nee Cameron) grew up on family farms Lochiel and Mona Vale at Ross before meeting and marrying superfine merino wool producer Roderic O’Connor.

They briefly lived and worked at Burlington at Cressy, before taking over the running of Connorville as part of its seven-generation succession plan.

Rosalind was across the administration of the business while her husband worked the land, however her ideas and hands-on involvement grew over time and extended past traditional roles.

When her husband died in 1982 at just 55 years of age, Rosalind’s son Roderic, aged 24 at the time, was called upon to take the helm.

However he said his mum’s knowledge and instruction led to a close partnership in running the 17,200-hectare estate - one of the most resilient pastoral properties in Australian agricultural history.

“Her patience was admirable and rather than tell me what I could and couldn’t do, she patiently guided and encouraged me to ask the right questions,” Roderic said.

“There’s not many sons who can say they worked closely with their mum every day - and she was here at Connorville until  2013 when she chose to move into Launceston where she lived right up until the last few weeks of her life when she resided at Toosey in Longford.

“Gardening was her passion and it always looked beautiful, and after dad died she continued running the deer farm that they established together in 1979, handling the live trade, venison and velvet sales up until 2005 when the market dropped and it was disbanded.”

Rosalind had a love of music and ballet and was heavily involved with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, supporting their concerts and fundraising for instruments and making similar efforts for the Australian Ballet Company.

To help more young people achieve a university education and realise their goals, she supported the University of Tasmania and its programs for students from low socio economic backgrounds.

She was also a valued friend and philanthropist of The Clifford Craig Health Foundation. Her vision and leadership were instrumental in establishing the Foundation in 1992, then known as the Clifford Craig Medical Trust.

As a founding board member, Ros joined fellow supporters in a remarkable community effort to raise $1 million in six months, creating the foundation for local health programs that continue to benefit Northern Tasmania today.

A passionate advocate for philanthropy and healthcare, Ros worked closely with the late John Morris AO, the Foundation’s inaugural Chairman, to shape its values and direction.

“We were honoured to celebrate our latest milestone with Ros at the opening of the Clifford Craig Research & Innovation Centre last year,” the Foundation said in a statement.

“Her legacy of service, generosity and community spirit will endure for generations.”

Despite preferring to work in the background, Ros was happy to lend  her voice in the boardroom - becoming the first female committee member on the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association’s Meat Council (now TasFarmers).

“My mum was resilient, elegant and inspiring, carrying herself with poise and presence and often had bravado that hid a deeper, considered persona,” son Roderic said.

“She was a canny investor, a smart mentor and the best of companions on the farm.

“When dad died she became the whole package for her children, taking on the role of both parents when we were younger - she was not one to be underestimated and she will be missed on so many levels.”

Ros was privately cremated prior to a public memorial service to celebrate her life on July 20 in Launceston.