Rising Labor star and three-time Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter has been remembered as a “force of nature” and an “intelligent, vivacious and caring woman” after her untimely death. Hundreds of family, friends, and community members have gathered at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Friday to farewell the beloved 45-year-old. In an emotional address, her mother Natalie 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 of the things Sarah has achieved in her short life, my heart swells with pride because she fit more into 45 years of life than some people achieved in a lifetime,” her mother told the seated crowd. Ms Carter’s father David said the “overwhelming loss” of his daughter was “unbearable” and revealed her family was struggling to come to terms with her death. Despite the tragic circumstances, Mr Carter said he felt “immense pride” when thinking of his daughter’s life that had been “marked by unwavering dedication, compassion and a fierce commitment to making the world a better place”.
“There is no doubt, given the opportunity, she would have achieved so much more and touched so many more lives,” her father said in a tribute delivered by her sister Caroline. “Sarah’s impact was profound, and it was felt by those she worked with, those who she served and those who had the privilege of knowing her.” Ms Carter was the first woman to be elected as mayor of Maribyrnong three times and she received multiple awards for her contributions to the local community.
The councillor, who had been serving her fourth term, has been remembered as a trailblazing local politician who was a “role model” and “an inspiration to girls and young women in the community”. Her casket was covered with a beautiful array of flowers, including white lilies and red and pink roses. In lieu of giving flowers, mourners were instead asked to donate to Save The Children on Ms Carter’s behalf.
The charity was Ms Carter’s “life’s work”. Political heavyweights streamed into the racecourse on Friday afternoon, including former Labor leader Bill Shorten and Nationals MP Michael McCormack. Ms Carter was found dead in her home in Melbourne’s inner west on August 6.
Her death is not being treated as suspicious..
