Former Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter was found dead on Tuesday afternoon. 

Emergency services attended her home in Melbourne’s north-west at around 3.45pm. Victorian Police have said there was no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death and that a coroner’s report is being prepared.  

The City of Maribyrnong expressed their “shock”on Instagram at learning of the 45-year-old’s death.

“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. 

“We extend our deepest condolences to Cr Carter’s partner, family, friends, and all who knew and worked alongside her.” 

Carter was a rising Labor leader who was serving her fourth term as councillor. In 2023, she received the Mayor Emeritus Award, given to those serving as mayors for three full terms. She was only the second mayor and the first woman in her municipality to do so.  

Labor MP Tim Watts wrote on Instagram that he is devastated by the “tragic death”. 

“Sarah lived a life of values and of service and threw herself into everything she was involved in with total commitment,” he wrote.  

“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’s been taken from us far too soon. It’s a terrible loss to our community and our country. My thoughts are with her family and many friends at this terribly difficult time.” 

Photo: Sarah Carter (YouTube)