Carmel Russell ‘changed the world for the better,’ Neil Mitchell says

A woman whose campaign work helped introduce ‘Nat’s Law’ after her daughter Natalie was murdered by Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer has been farewelled at a moving funeral service.

Carmel Russell died on December 22 aged 81. Picture: Ian Currie

Carmel Russell, whose daughter was murdered by Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer, has been remembered as an “extraordinary” woman who “took on the world”.

Ms Russell, the brave mother of Natalie Russell, was farewelled at a moving funeral service where her efforts to keep the killer locked up were praised and commended.

Ms Russell, who died on December 22 aged 81, worked relentlessly and tirelessly to campaign against the Frankston killer from ever walking from prison.

Legendary radio broadcaster Neil Mitchell, who worked with Ms Russell to publicise her fight in the media, led a chorus of tributes at a service filled with family, friends, police and politicians.

The 3AW veteran said Ms Russell’s efforts in introducing ‘Nat’s Law’ — which gave the parole board greater powers in restricting parole for murderers and sex offenders — saved lives.

“By taking on the world, she changed the world for the better and not many of us in life can say that,” he said on Thursday.

“She took on the world and she won. The world is now a better place.

“The people of this state owe Carmel and her family enormous gratitude.

“I believe that Carmel saved lives. Carmel, thank you.”

Brian and Carmel Russell in 2021. Picture: Ian Currie

Natalie’s brother, Darren Russell, said their mother’s campaign to keep Denyer locked up forever wore her down immensely.

Mr Russell, who did not speak the killer’s name but branded him a “monster”, said Natalie’s murder at age 17 changed the course of Carmel’s life.

“In an instant, an ordinary woman, in an ordinary family, in an ordinary suburb became extraordinary,” he said through the occasional tear.

“I think it’s fair to say Carmel never fully recovered from that. I’m not sure any of us did. How could any mother ever recover? It was the worst nightmare for any parent.

“In more recent years, the ordinary woman, from an ordinary Frankston family, once again became extraordinary. Helping to lead the fight to keep the killer incarcerated.”

Paul Denyer in prison. Picture: Supplied

Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer being taken away by police.

Ms Russell’s blue and white North Melbourne Football Club scarf was placed on a small table next to her casket in a nod to her beloved Kangaroos.

Among the mourners at St Francis Xavier Church in Frankston was former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina, who worked to prosecute the serial killer, and a handful of local SES members.

Denyer was in 1993 jailed for life for the murders of Elizabeth Stevens, 18, Debbie Fream, 22, and Natalie Russell, 17 at Frankston.

The killer was given a 30-year non-parole period following a successful appeal.

But he will remain behind bars after the state government introduced laws that restricted the state’s worst criminals from applying for parole.