Alister Henskens portrait
Alister Henskens portrait

Tribute to Jo Harris, OAM

Flowers

Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Wahroonga) (18:23): I sadly inform the House of the recent passing of the much-loved Mrs Jo Harris, OAM. Jo was born in Killara, attended Ravenswood and went on to study design and costume at East Sydney Technical College. Together with her husband, John, Jo raised her children in Wahroonga. In 1999 Jo joined the Ku-ring-gai Historical Society, later becoming vice‑president, acting president, family history group leader and mystery tour convenor. Jo received many honours throughout her life, including the 2005 Ku-ring-gai Historical Society Historian of the Year, the 2008 Ku-ring-gai Council Citizen of the Year and, in 2017, a Medal of the Order of Australia. In 2021 I was proud to name Jo as the Ku-ring-gai electorate Woman of the Year in recognition of her tireless efforts to promote our community's rich history. It is not often you come across people as knowledgeable and loving of their local community as Jo was. I know Jo will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Vale, Jo Harris, OAM.