The Cairns Amateurs committee is mourning the sudden loss over the weekend of its president, Ross Moller whose passion and dedication for the region’s annual social and sporting highlight is marked by 24 years of service.

Mr Moller joined the committee in 1997 and in 2019 became the committee’s fifth president in the event’s 63-year history following the resignation of friend and fellow member, Michael Delaney.

Mr Moller will be sorely missed by his committee and the Cairns Amateurs community for his commitment and love of the event which he believed to be one of the region’s key economic drivers.

Speaking on behalf of the Cairns Amateurs committee, Cairns Amateurs vice president, David Goodman said the committee were saddened and shocked to receive the news of Ross’ death.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Despina, Nadine, Ben, Nick and their family.

“Ross was in the process of restructuring the committee and planning this year’s 2021 Carnival.  In the role of president, he showed himself to be an innovative, forward thinking leader who was just at home in working clothes putting the Cannon Park track together as he was in his dinner suit greeting guests at the annual Amateurs Ball.

“Ross will be very much missed not only through Amateurs but also the numerous other community organisations he donated his time to in a voluntary capacity,” Mr Goodman said.

Immediate past Cairns Amateurs president, Michael Delaney was also shocked to hear the news.

“Ross and I were on the Amateurs committee for over 20 years and we enjoyed working together.

“Ross was a hard worker who was in charge of the preparations at Cannon Park. He would spend the week before the Amateurs in his daggy clothes setting up the racecourse for everyone to appreciate on the weekend where he would be suited up and all charm.

“I was very honoured when he took over as president. Ross has contributed substantially to the Cairns community for a long time, not only with the Amateurs but also the Taipans. He will leave a big gap. My heart goes out to Despina and their family,” Mr Delaney said.