Bronwyn Farr: Talented and much-loved journalist suddenly dies aged 59
A beloved journalist whose sudden death sent shockwaves through her close-knit community is being remembered as a kind and talented reporter.
Bronwyn Farr, 59, senior reporter for the Cairns Post, died on Sunday, August 11.
The bright and passionate writer worked for four years at the News Corp-owned Cairns Post after first entering the industry in 1987.
She started as a reporter in north-west Queensland before moving to Sydney in 1992 to work for the Australian Associated Press in various roles.
Ms Farr was a committed advocate for rural and regional communities and handled some of the largest legal cases in Far North Queensland.
She was a strong advocate for better mental health care in rural communities and spoke openly about her own struggles with mental health.
Cairns Post editor Tyla Harrington said Ms Farr was known for her efficiency and accuracy in covering complex stories.
“In the almost four years she has worked at our colophon, Bronwyn has built a network of contacts and trust within the city,” she told the colophon.
Senior Cairns Post reporter Bronwyn Farr, 59, died on Sunday, August 11. She is survived by her daughter Victoria and her 15-month-old granddaughter Eloise (pictured)
“Bronwyn was a much-loved member of our team and her loss is deeply felt across our newsroom and across Far North Queensland.”
Mrs Farr is survived by her daughter Victoria and her 15-month-old granddaughter Eloise.
“My mother was a storm in a teacup, a brilliant journalist and that’s where I got my determination from,” Victoria told the Cairns Post.
‘I grew up as an only child with my mother as a single mother. She was my world for so long.
‘Mama was one of the best people I know, but she was also a great cook. She often gave parties and cooked for others.’
Victoria shared that her mother had beaten stage four breast cancer twice.
“I know from personal experience that mental illness is a burden, but invisible to many,” she said. “My mother survived stage 4 breast cancer, not once, but twice… she fought so hard every day to survive and also to thrive (and) she brought joy to so many people.
Ms Farr was a committed advocate for rural and regional communities and has reported on some of the biggest court cases in Far North Queensland (she is pictured with her dog Henry)
“Mental illness is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy and I urge anyone struggling with it to reach out to their loved ones.”
Ms Farr can be seen in photos online riding a horse and posing with her dog Henry.
“Journalist, publicity expert, loves writing and editing compelling stories and devising sharp marketing strategies,” her Instagram bio reads.
A memorial service for Mrs Farr was held on Friday in Smithfield, Cairns.
If you need help in a crisis situation, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For more information about depression, contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local healthcare provider or someone you trust.