Tributes are flowing for Maribyrnong councillor and three-time mayor Sarah Carter, who died on Tuesday night.
Cr Carter was found dead in her home on Tuesday afternoon. Her death is not being treated as suspicious.
In a statement on social media, Maribyrnong council said it was “shocked and saddened” to learn of her sudden passing.
“Councillor Carter was a trusted and valued colleague and her passing is an enormous loss to our community who she has worked tirelessly to support over her 16 years on council,” the post said.
“Maribyrnong’s first three-time female mayor, Councillor Carter was only the second mayor in our municipality’s history to achieve emeritus status – the highest recognition for distinguished service in local government leadership.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Cr Carter’s partner, family, friends, and all who knew and worked alongside her. She will be greatly missed.”
Maribyrnong deputy mayor Michael Clarke said it was with “enormous sadness” that he acknowledge the death of his friend.
“As a mayor and councillor, at Maribyrnong City Council, she was the most decorated female councillor in a city that was first established in 1859. being the only woman to have held the position of mayor three times,” Cr Clarke said.
“She was bright, warm, funny and compassionate. Words can’t convey my sense of loss.”
Cr Bernadette Thomas said Cr Carter’s energy and enthusiasm for the inner west was infectious, adding that she will be greatly missed.
Cr Jorge Jorquera said Cr Carter’s “compass was compassion”.
“While we didn’t always agree on political matters, her commitment to something better was what made her tick. It was the basis of our conversations. I hope that’s the mark she leaves for everyone in our community. I think that’s how she would want to be remembered.”
Cr Carter was first elected to Maribyrnong council is 2008 and served as mayor in 2010-11, 2019-2020 and 2022-23.
Community members, MPs and councillors from across Melbourne’s north-west were among those to pay tribute to Cr Carter.
Many comments on Facebook said Cr Carter’s death was heart breaking and sad for the community.
Footscray MP Katie Hall said Cr Carter sparkled and was fierce, brilliant and bright.
“Across our community so many people are grieving,” she said.
“So smart, kind, funny and warm. Sarah had so much love for our community and she dedicated her life to making it better.
“Why she has left us so young, with so much to give, is something I will never understand. She gave so much already.”
Gellibrand MP Tim Watts said he was devastated by Cr Carter’s death.
“Sarah lived a life of values and of service and threw herself into everything she was involved in with total commitment.
“Her energy was limitless and was exhausting for those of us trying to keep up.
“I had the privilege of seeing first hand the impact that Sarah had as a councillor and Mayor in Melbourne’s West, as an international aid and development advocate and as a friend. She had an impact on so many people’s lives.
“She gave so much of herself and wanted to give so much more. She’s been taken from us far too soon. It’s a terrible loss to our community and our country.”
Former Maribyrnong councillor Catherine Cumming said there wouldn’t be a place big enough to hold her funeral “as she was loved by so many”.
A state funeral is deserved as we don’t have many champions of the west or children such as Sarah. Rest in peace my love.”
Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins said she had lost “a true sister”.
“Sarah, your work at Save the Children was unwavering, unbeatable and fuelled with passion.
“Your commitment to the people of Maribrynong was extraordinary.
“You had a tireless commitment to Labor and for always standing up for women’s right.
“Most importantly I want to thank you for always having my back, for being my friend & being by my side both professionally and personally. I know International Women’s Day will not be the same without you.”
Footscray Traders Association president Julia Ponte said Cr Carter’s contribution to changing Footscray during her time on council would never be forgotten,
In a statement, Save the Children Australia said Cr Carter was committed 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.”
