Maribyrnong councillor and the city’s first three-time female mayor Sarah Carter has been remembered as a champion of the west and children.
Cr Carter was found dead inside her home on Tuesday, August 6. Police said her death was not suspicious and a report would be prepared for the coroner.
Cr Carter was first elected to Maribyrnong council is 2008 and served as mayor in 2011, 2020 and 2023. She was only the second mayor in the municipality’s history to achieve emeritus status – the highest recognition for distinguished service in local government leadership.
Maribyrnong council flew its flags at half-mast outside the Braybrook Community Hub last week as a sign of respect for Cr Carter and established an online memorial page to capture community tributes.
A special council meeting will be held on Tuesday night, where councillors will share their personal stories and tributes.
Council said it would consider a permanent tribute to Cr Carter “at an appropriate time”.
In a statement, mayor Cuc Lam described Cr Carter as a trusted and valued colleague and friend.
She said her death had shocked and saddened staff, councillors and many in the community.
“It is clear from the outpouring of grief of the high regard in which she was held by those she worked so hard to support,” Cr Lam said.
“Sarah was a passionate advocate. There was never any doubt how much she cared for her local community and how proud she was to represent the west. Her dedication to advancing community wellbeing, arts and culture and gender equity, in particular, were second to none.
“It has been incredibly heartening to read the hundreds of tributes received directly by myself, my colleagues, staff, and on social media recognising Sarah’s dedication and commitment to the City of Maribyrnong, her passion for her community, and her drive for creating positive change.”
Cr Lam said the memorial page would be shared with Cr Carter’s family.
“We plan to collate all the amazing comments we are hearing so that, when they feel ready, they may also read and appreciate the many wonderful things that are being said and understand the very high regard and depth of feeling being demonstrated within our community at this time,” she said.
Save the Children, which employed Cr Carter, recalled her commitment to making a real difference in the world.
“She put her everything into her work at Save the Children for a decade. As a pioneer and driver of our Australian Regional Leadership Initiative, she devoted her enormous energy and talent to raising awareness of the challenges facing vulnerable children around the world, and achieved a tremendous amount in her far-too-short life,” the statement said.
“Sarah will be greatly missed by all her colleagues, who are today mourning her loss. The world is a lesser place for her passing.”
Tributes: Page 4
