A woman who was killed by a garbage truck outside her Windsor home has been remembered as a passionate marine biologist who had recently beaten the odds against pancreatic cancer.
Rosalind Hinde, 74, suffered critical injuries when she was hit by the vehicle around 5pm on Monday, and tragically died at the scene.
She has been remembered by the University of Sydney, where she worked for more than three decades, as a leader of research in her field – exploring the physiology and biochemistry of aphids, corals, algae and sponges.
"The University of Sydney is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Associate Professor Rosalind Hinde who was an academic at the University of Sydney for 34 years," a spokeswoman for the university said in a statement.
"She published widely throughout her research career in leading journals related to her areas of expertise and was an active collaborator in, and leader of, research in her field."
Professor Hinde, the daughter of legendary ABC journalist John Hinde, leaves behind her husband, Barry, and two sons.
She was head of the University of Sydney's School of Biological Sciences from 2005 to 2008.
After retiring from research in 2008, she became an Honorary Professor at the university. She continued her association with the university, most recently working on digitising the collection of the Haswell Museum of zoological specimens.
A former colleague, Mike Thompson, said news of her death had been a devastating shock, especially after she had recently celebrated success in her battle with cancer.
"I saw Roz last at my farewell at the end of June where she was elated at having beaten the odds with pancreatic cancer and being declared cancer-free," he said.
"We are devastated to lose Roz, especially in such tragic circumstances. We are left with her legacy to the school of providing a stabilising, steady hand in the first years of the 21st century and with many fond memories."
The Dean of Science, Professor Iain Young, acknowledged Professor Hinde’s long career and her contribution to the university’s research and teaching.
"Although I never met her, it is clear she had a lifelong passion for marine sciences. She published numerous journal papers on this subject and continued to deliver lectures in marine biology after her retirement," he said.
"Our heartfelt sympathies go to Rosalind’s family."
A distressed neighbour told Seven News Professor Hinde was "the most beautiful lady", while some residents of the quiet street complained that garbage trucks are too large to safely fit.
The 52-year-old garbage truck driver was taken to Hawkesbury District Hospital for mandatory testing before being interviewed by police in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and released pending further inquiries.
At about 10.30am on Tuesday, officers from the Traffic Task Force carried out a compliance inspection of six vehicles at a site at Wilberforce, and issued seven defect notices for a range of vehicle maintenance issues.
Two infringement notices were issued to the company. Investigations into the crash continue.
