A Melbourne councillor has been found dead at her home in the city’s northwest.
Maribyrnong councillor and rising star of the Australian Labor Party Sarah Carter, 45, was discovered by police at her Village Way home on Tuesday afternoon, The Herald Sun reports.
Victoria Police confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious.
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A report is being prepared for the coroner.
Carter was elected to office in 2008 and became the first female – and second person in the council’s history – to serve three times as mayor in 2011, 2020 and 2022.
Late on Tuesday, the City of Maribyrnong said it was “shocked and saddened” to learn of Carter’s “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,” it 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.”
‘Terrible loss’
Federal Labor MP Tim Watts led tributes, saying her “tragic death” is a “terrible loss to our community and our country”.
“Sarah lived a life of values and of service and threw herself into everything she was involved in with total commitment,” he said.
“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.”
Victorian MP Natalie Hutchins said she had lost a “true sister”.
“Sarah, your work at Save the Children was unwavering, unbeatable & fueled with passion,” she wrote.
“Your commitment to the people of Maribyrnong was extraordinary … you had a tireless commitment to Labor and for always standing up for women’s rights
“Most importantly I want to thank you for always having my back, for being my friend & being by my side both professionally and personally.
“Every time I have a glass of champers you’ll be front of mind, Sarah.”
It’s understood Carter had recently returned from a trip to Santo and Malekula Islands in Vanuatu with Save the Children.