Gerald Lynch
Hundreds of mourners gathered at Flemington Racecourse on Friday to pay their respects to Maribyrnong councillor Sarah Carter.
Family, friends, councillors, and the public gathered at The Atrium at Flemington Racecourse on Friday, August 16 to bid a final farewell to Sarah, who died on August 6 at age 45.
As described by close friend Erin, Sarah was caring, kind and smart.
“I first met Sarah on August 22, 2016, at a session of Q&A,” she said.
“Our friendship grew over the years, from watching the first Western Bulldogs AFLW game together in 2017, to the Middle East where we met refugees in Syria and Jordan.“
Sarah’s partner Nikhil Roy shared heartfelt stories of their time together, and said coping with Sarah’s sudden death had been the toughest time of his life.
“Before her, I had 1000 desires, but after my one desire to meet her, all my other desires faded away,” he said.
“Our time together was the happiest of my life, but she also asked me to tune it down. I told her us Indians come with two switches; off and intense.
“Know you won, you could always eat more chilli than me.
“I love you with every fibre of my being.”
Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins delivered the eulogy on behalf of Sarah’s mother, Gaynor.
“Sarah, my beautiful daughter, I’m very proud to call myself your mother,” she said.
“I never doubted she would achieve greatness, her telling me this frequently made me make sure of that.
“She was a force of nature, especially when she had her mind set on achieving something, and god help you if you got in her way.
“She considered she could outsmart me, which she did most of the time.
“She made me jump from a plane at 15,000 feet… she already booked it and wasn’t going to let me back out.
“She was not only my daughter but my best friend too. She would tell me everything… There are some things a mother doesn’t need to know.
“Reading everyone’s tributes, I am in awe of the impact she has had on so many people’s lives.“
Her father David’s eulogy was read by his sister Caroline.
“A life cut short much too early, and with so much left to achieve,” David wrote.
“As a child we used to watch west at night at the stars, and I called the brightest star ‘Sarah’s star’. We say maybe that’s where her affinity for the west began.
“You will forever be in our hearts, and we will carry your legacy with us.”
Cr Carter served on Maribyrnong council for 18 years, and was elected mayor three times, the first woman to do so.
Her legacy will live on through the Western Bulldogs Foundation, including the sons and daughters of the west programs, providing health opportunities for all who need it, and Save the Children.
Save the Children chief executive and close friend Matt Tinkler spoke to Sarah’s legacy.
“You turned a kernel of an idea into a program that will have a long legacy,” he said.
“Over the years I marvelled at your ability to deliver, and get stuff done with a smile.
“To my neighbour, my colleague, and my friend, I’ll forever miss you.”
Raj and Krithi, a couple who became friends with Sarah during her time on council, delivered a message to Sarah and mourners.
“She was truly a cherished member of our family, her loss leaves a void that can never be filled,” Krithi said.
“She was more than a friend, she was a beacon of kindness to the community.
“Her contributions to the community have touched so many lives and will not be forgotten… May we find strength in the light that she brought to all of our lives.”
Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam gave a touching tribute to Sarah, the pair worked together on council for many years.
“No matter how busy she was, she always found time to say hello to the community, and have a laugh,” Cr Lam said.
“She did so much for others, what she did for others will not be forgotten.“
The state government is working on a Sarah Carter Memorial Award to be given to an outstanding young woman each year.
