- Maribyrnong Mayor Sarah Carter died earlier this month.
Rising Labor star and three-time Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter has been remembered as a “force of nature” following her untimely death.
Hundreds of family, friends and community members gathered at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse on Friday to pay their respects to the beloved 45-year-old.
In an emotional speech, her mother Gaynor paid tribute to her “best friend”, whom she described as an “intelligent, vivacious and caring woman” and a “force of nature” who sought to change people’s lives for the better.
“When I think about the things Sarah has accomplished in her short life, my heart fills with pride because in 45 years of life she has accomplished more than some people accomplish in a lifetime,” her mother told the crowd.
Ms Carter’s father David said the “overwhelming loss” of his daughter was “unbearable” and revealed his family were struggling to come to terms with her death.
Despite the tragic circumstances, Mr Carter said he felt “immense pride” thinking about his daughter’s life, which had been “marked by unwavering dedication, compassion and a fierce commitment to making the world a better place”.
“There is no doubt that, had he been given the opportunity, he would have achieved much more and touched many more lives,” his father said in a tribute delivered by his sister Caroline.
‘Sarah’s impact was profound and was felt by those she worked with, those she served and those who had the privilege of knowing her.’
Former three-time Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter died earlier this month.
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten was one of many who paid farewell to Carter at a funeral at Flemington Racecourse on Friday.
Mrs Carter’s coffin is seen with a Hawthorn Hawks AFL team scarf draped over it.
Hundreds of family, friends and community members gathered at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse on Friday to pay their respects to the beloved 45-year-old.
Ms Carter was the first woman to be elected Mayor of Maribyrnong three times and received multiple awards for her contributions to the local community.
The councillor, who was serving her fourth term, has been remembered as a pioneering local politician who was a “role model” and “an inspiration to girls and young women in the community”.
Her coffin was covered with flowers, including white lilies and red and pink roses.
Instead of giving flowers, mourners were asked to make a donation to Save The Children in Mrs Carter’s name, which was deemed to be her “life’s work”.
Political heavyweights flocked to the racecourse on Friday afternoon, including former Labor leader Bill Shorten and Nationalist MP Michael McCormack.
Ms Carter was found dead at her home in Melbourne’s inner west on August 6. Her death is not being treated as suspicious.
