Joan Cahill, a beloved poet and community figure, passed away at Wagga Base Hospital on December 26, 2025, at the age of 87. Surrounded by her family, she left behind a legacy of creativity and kindness that deeply impacted many lives in the Wagga community and beyond.
Cahill began honing her writing skills at the Booranga Writers’ Centre in the early 2000s. Over the years, she not only published her own poetry but also contributed significantly to the centre, nurturing fellow writers with her encouraging spirit and engaging personality. David Gilbey, president of the Booranga Writers’ Centre, highlighted her vibrant presence, stating, “She was always lively, intelligent; she was not someone who would sit quietly by.”
Her talent for poetry was recognized with several prestigious awards, including the 2012 Urban Realism Award from the Melbourne Poets Union and the First Prize for the Fellowship of Australian Writers Regional’s ‘Vibrant Verse’ in 2013. Two of her notable poetry collections, ‘Buddha’s Left Foot’ released in 2016 and ‘The Whirling Dervish’ in 2022, showcased her unique voice and ability to connect with readers. Gilbey remarked on her engaging style, which often reflected a mature woman’s irony, capturing the oddities of life in her verses.
Beyond her literary pursuits, Cahill dedicated over 25 years to the Wagga Art Gallery, contributing approximately 11,500 hours guiding school students and public groups through various exhibitions. The gallery acknowledged her immense contributions, noting, “Joan brought tremendous joy and enthusiasm about our gallery to the lives of so many.” Her commitment to education and community engagement made her a cherished figure at the gallery, where she represented Wagga at numerous guiding conferences across Australia.
Gilbey expressed his sorrow upon hearing of Cahill’s passing, having communicated with her just days before. “I sent her a message when I learned that she was in palliative care, and very quickly a message came back from Joan herself,” he recounted. “She said how nice it was to hear from me and that she valued our long relationship.”
Her final messages to those she cared about reflected her enduring spirit and connection to her community. “I was moved almost to tears reading her messages. She was somebody who lived right until the very end,” Gilbey shared.
Joan Cahill’s sharp wit and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her contributions to literature and the arts, alongside her unwavering support for fellow creatives, have left an indelible mark on the Wagga community. Her family and friends are in the thoughts of many during this difficult time.
