Vale Jamie Callachor

The NSW biotech community has been saddened by the loss of Jamie Callachor, who passed away on November 2.

Jamie worked for the NSW Department of State and Regional Development for 14 years and was a highly respected and valued member of staff. He worked closely with the NSW Innovation Council and the NSW biotechnology industry and research community. Most recently he was on secondment at the Ministry for Science & Medical Research. His untimely passing has deeply saddened his colleagues.

His colleagues at the Ministry for Science and Medical Research prepared the following eulogy:

To know Jamie, to work side by side with him every day, was to know a man of great depth, goodness, and warmth. A man with a kind and loyal heart, a breadth of knowledge and an inspiring passion for his chosen profession. Jamie was hardworking and dedicated, but most of all, to us, he was great fun to be around.

Jamie was our workmate, and our mate. Striding in each morning with his briefcase, his was the friendly face to start the day. Every Monday morning began with "How was your weekend?", and through these chats we got to know more about each other's lives.

Our deepest sympathies go to Jamie's much loved family and his wife, Alda, about whom he spoke often, and with great love and tenderness. The loss of Jamie reminds us of how much we gained through having known him.

In a small and tightly knit work group, Jamie was a true team player. He was inclusive of everyone, interested in everything. He was patient and good natured, without fail. His commitment over many years to the NSW research and biotech community, and his contribution to bringing about some of the Ministry's most important achievements cannot be underestimated.

His work with the NSW Innovation Council and Biotechnology Liaison Committee, and in establishing the presence of the NSW biotechnology sector internationally through annual attendance at BIO, as well as a sister state initiative with California, and interaction with BIOCOM in San Diego, have left a lasting legacy. Jamie's hard work to make sure that our State was represented, and got the best possible outcomes is crucial to our progress in this area over the long term.

Jamie had a large network of colleagues across the NSW Government, especially his former workplace, the Department of State and Regional Development. The strength of his ongoing connections with people is testament to his character and his talent for collaboration and teamwork. Many, many people will miss Jamie. He represented the true and best meaning of 'public service'. He sought no accolades or acclaim. All of us are better off because of him, and we will always carry with us our memories of his bright, positive character.

We salute you, friend, for who you were, what you meant to us, and what you have achieved. To have worked alongside you, and become friends, we are honoured.