Sarah Carter: Rising political star found dead at 45 – just days after returning from Save the Children charity trip

A rising political star and three-time mayor has been found dead in her home at the age of 45.

Victoria Police confirmed the death of Sarah Carter, 45, on Tuesday. Her death is not being treated as suspicious.

She was a well-known member of the Australian Labor Party and was elected mayor of Maribyrnong, a suburb in Melbourne’s west, three times in 2011, 2020 and 2022.

Cr Carter was also a ‘passionate advocate’ for the arts, championing programmes such as the Creative West project, formerly known as NeXT, and Festival City.

Since her first election to the council in 2008, she has received several awards and served her fourth consecutive term.

Many Labor insiders reportedly believed Carter would become an MP because she was well-liked in Melbourne and Canberra political circles.

Cr Carter had only just returned from her holiday to ‘remote communities on the islands of Santo and Malekula in Vanuatu’ with the charity Save the Children earlier this week.

Rising political star and three-time mayor Sarah Carter (pictured) was found dead in her Melbourne home on Tuesday

Cr Carter had only just returned from her holiday (pictured) to ‘remote communities on the Santo and Malekula Islands in Vanuatu’ with the charity Save the Children earlier this week

“Vanuatu is known to be one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the impacts of climate change and disasters. We were able to see first-hand the impact that resilience and adaptation initiatives are having on communities through Australia’s bilateral and multilateral development programs,” she said of the trip.

Labour MP Tim Watts said The age Cr Carter ‘led a life of values ​​and service’.

“Her energy was endless and exhausting for us trying to keep up with her,” he said.

‘I was privileged to witness first-hand the impact Sarah had as a councillor and mayor in Melbourne’s west, as an advocate for international aid and development, and as a friend. She touched the lives of so many people.

“She gave so much of herself and wanted to give so much more. She was taken from us far too soon. It is a terrible loss for our community and our country.”

The City of Maribyrnong also paid tribute to Cr Carter on Tuesday evening.

“The Council is shocked and saddened tonight by the sudden passing of former Mayor and Councillor Sarah Carter,” the statement said.

“Councillor Carter was a trusted and valued colleague and her passing is a tremendous loss to our community, which she tirelessly supported during her 16 years as a councillor.

Councillor Carter, the first female Mayor of Maribyrnong having served as Mayor three times, was only the second Mayor in our municipality’s history to be awarded Emeritus status – the highest recognition for outstanding service in local government.

‘We extend our deepest condolences to Cr Carter’s partner, family, friends and all who knew and worked with her. She will be greatly missed.’

Cr Carter’s cause of death is not yet known.

More to come.

Many Labor insiders reportedly believed Cr Carter (pictured) would become an MP because she was well-liked in Melbourne and Canberra political circles.