A beloved school teacher has sung what will likely be her final funeral song during a moving tribute to frontline workers during Victoria’s tough Covid-19 lockdowns.
The body of Annette Brennan, 67, was found dead at a rubbish tip in Epping last week, about 8 kilometres from her home in Coolaroo, northwest of Melbourne.
It can be revealed that Ms Brennan was an active member of the Brunswick Indonesian United Church, whose grieving congregation has been left shaken by her death.
On May 24, 2020, Ms. Brennan organized an online gathering for stranded parishioners to pay tribute to frontline medical workers and those who lost their lives “standing strong for what they believe in.”
It was the day then-Premier Dan Andrews temporarily eased the strict Covid lockdown restrictions imposed on Victorians following the outbreak of the pandemic.
But Ms Brennan’s thoughts were also with the victims of a terrorist attack at a United Nations hospital in Iraq.
“May you find some peace and comfort in words,” Ms. Brennan said before launching into a sweet rendition of the Christian hymn Abide With Me.
It’s a haunting song that became popular in recent times after being featured in the hit zombie movie 28 Days Later.
Annette Brennan was allegedly murdered by Stephen Fleming in her own home
The hymn had been a personal favourite of Ms Brennan’s and is expected to be played at her upcoming funeral.
The touching images showed Ms Brennan finishing her performance with a beaming smile.
On Wednesday, her alleged killer, Stephen Fleming, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court charged with her murder.
The skinny, balding 45-year-old sat in the dock behind protective glass as he was told he would remain in jail until his next court appearance in January.
The suspected killer’s link to Ms Brennan remains a mystery, but Victoria Police have confirmed she was not his mother.
It is understood one theory being investigated is that Fleming had been renting a room at Ms Brennan’s home in Hilgay Street, where she had recently moved.
Real estate records show the home sold in February of this year for $545,000, and Ms. Brennan was known to have hosted roommates in past years.
Stephen Fleming sported a bald head with a fluffy half-mullet at the back of his head.
Annette Brennan’s Coolaroo home (pictured) was sold in February this year.
An aerial view of Ms Brennan’s home in Coolaroo, where she was allegedly murdered
In 2013, she placed an online advert requesting housemates for her property in Ormond, 12 km south-east of Melbourne’s central business district.
“Hi everyone. Do you know anyone looking for accommodation? I have a room with a double bed, desk and built-in wardrobes in Ormond for $120 a week,” the advert said.
‘Could be shared by a couple, sharing electricity and unlimited internet. It is a three minute walk from Ormond station and close to North Road where there are shops including a supermarket. Call me to arrange a viewing.’
Detectives arrested Fleming in Glenroy, in Melbourne’s northwest, at around 11.15am on Tuesday.
According to charging documents, police allege Fleming killed Brennan on or about July 1, the day before.
They said her remains were placed inside a container that was collected from her home by a garbage truck on Tuesday of last week.
Staff at a nearby landfill in Epping found her body while clearing green waste last Wednesday and contacted police.
Tributes continue to pour in for the kind-hearted teacher, who has worked as a lecturer in various language and training courses since 2012, including in the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Since 2020, Ms Brennan has worked as an online tutor for Australian Education Management Group, a company that promotes cultural and linguistic exchanges between Australia and China.
Annette Brennan couldn’t contain her joy after singing her favorite hymn during Covid lockdowns
Police were called to Annette Brennan’s home in Coolaroo after her body was found in a green bin.
“I just read the news about Annette, I can’t believe it, she is such a kind and caring person. We will miss you Annette. God loves you more. Rest in peace with God,” a friend posted on social media on Thursday.
“I’m sure your beautiful soul is with Jesus. Until we meet again,” wrote another.
Ms. Brennan’s neighbors had described her as quiet but friendly.
Although she was not known to drive, neighbors had observed a car parked in the driveway, which was allegedly used by a man who also lived on the property.
Ms Brennan is believed to be the 48th woman to be murdered in Australia this year.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
