By Laura Michell
Maribyrnong has lost a “hero, an absolute hero”. That was the sentiment of Maribyrnong deputy mayor Michael Clarke during a special council meeting held on Tuesday night to pay tribute to councillor Sarah Carter.
Maribyrnong’s councillors, dressed in black, gathered at the Braybrook Community Hub, to mourn their colleague who was found dead at her home on August 6, aged 45.
The councillors took turns to share their memories of Cr Carter and pay tribute to her contribution to the city during her 16 years on council.
Many fought back tears. All of them spoke of her passion for the community and helping others.
Cr Clarke described his colleague and friend as unbelievably fair, compassionate and a “quintessential 21st century leader”.
“She really was destined for greater things,” he said.
“I am in this woman’s shadow.
“She took this city in its darkest hours through covid, she was there, she led it, and there was so much more to come.
“We have lost a hero, an absolute hero.
“If any girl is thinking about what they might be able to do, take a look at any … of the YouTube we have got of Sarah Carter – that is what you can do.
“Giants exist and she was a giant.”
Cr Anthony Tran said Cr Carter was the “cornerstone of our community”.
“She has been a champion of the community,” he said.
“The first to lend a hand when asked, to lend a shoulder when needed and to lend an ear when grievances were had.”
He recalled the first time he stepped into the council chambers and the way in which Cr Carter took her under his wing.
“Sarah Carter has contributed to this council on so many different levels and that is evidenced by those who are here tonight to celebrate her work.
“I can only wish that I had one last opportunity to say to Sarah, ‘thank you’.
“I wish I could share one last laugh.”
Cr Bernadette Thomas spoke of Cr Carter being energised by living and working in the community she loved.
She also recalled her willingness to use her government networks to advocate for the community and her passion for gender equity.
“We know she will be missed, She will be really missed in this room,” she said.
“She had energy and passion to burn.”
Cr Jorge Jorquera spoke of the sadness felt by her family, friends and colleague,
“Sadness such as this doesn’t have an equivalence in words. It is something that is only felt inside,” he said,
He said while they didn’t always see eye to eye, he knew Cr Carter’s heart was in the right place in everything she did.
It was a sentiment echoed by Cr Simon Crawford, who implored the community to follow in Cr Carter’s footsteps and lend a hand to others.
“I think a big part of the secret to her happiness was that she was always out there helping other people,” he said.
“Sarah was tenacious really. She was the sort of person who wanted to help people make the world better.”
Cr Crawford described her sudden death as surreal.
“It’s still quite surreal. It’s only now looking around this table and not seeing her name tag sitting there that it is starting to sink in.”
Mayor Cuc Lam remembered Cr Carter as a loyal and tireless advocate for Maribyrnong.
“Sarah was my dear friend and colleague, much more than someone I was serving alongside. I could always rely on Sarah for support,” she said.
“She brought energy and enthusiasm for everything she did. She was passionate about the western suburbs.
“She was passionate, dedicated and a champion of others.
“Well my friend dear Sarah, you will be greatly missed. I am sure you will be around here with your spirit.”
