Wikimedia Australia is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of JarrahTree, who died peacefully in his sleep on Monday 2nd December. He was a dedicated, passionate and long-standing member of our community who will be sorely missed. His extraordinary contributions to free knowledge have left an enduring impact. JarrahTree was a tireless advocate for open access, community collaboration and the sharing of knowledge. Although a well known face and name amongst the Australian community he was a very private person and, in relation to his Wikimedia contributions, he preferred to be referred to by his username.
JarrahTree’s first edit was on 25 May 2005, and during the past 19.5 years he reached an astounding 448,771 edits across all Wikimedia projects. He created 931 articles on the English Wikipedia and uploaded 2,973 images to Wikimedia Commons. His primary focus areas included Western Australia, Tasmania, railways, and Indonesia, reflecting his fieldwork conducted during his University studies. He was also an active member of the Australia project, amongst many others, and regularly gave advice and encouragement to new and experienced editors.
He was deeply committed to bringing the community together – especially in person – recognising the value of face-to-face collaboration in building connections and strengthening the movement. His dedication was particularly evident in his involvement in WikiClubWest, where he tirelessly organised meetups, workshops, and outreach events to grow and energise the local editing community.
Last weekend JarrahTree attended WikiCon Adelaide 2024 and was a key contributor, yet again providing expertise and sharing his knowledge with the Australian editing community. He came home from Adelaide full of vigour to restart regular editing meetups at the State Library of Western Australia. JarrahTree’s passion for collaboration and his drive to unite contributors will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
Beyond his prolific editing activity JarrahTree was deeply committed to strengthening the Wikimedia Australia community. As a member of Wikimedia Australia for well over a decade he held significant roles on the Board (formerly the Committee) including Vice-President, and Secretary for a number of years, and was a regular and vital participant in various committees and organising groups.
His international experience, particularly in Indonesia, increased his recognition of the importance of engaging with the ESEAP (East, South-East Asia, and Pacific) region and the global Wikimedia movement. He attended numerous Wikimania events and ESEAP community conferences, often presenting on the achievements of the Australian community.
Many Australian editors have shared that JarrahTree was the person who first invited them to join the Wikimedia movement, mentoring them through their early steps and growth as contributors.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to JarrahTree’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. His remarkable legacy lives on in the projects he shaped and the community he helped build.
Vale, JarrahTree. You will be deeply missed in the Wikimedia movement, but your contributions and impact will live forever.
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