Rising Labor star found dead at home

A three time mayor touted as a possible future leader of the Labor Party has died “suddenly” at home, it has been revealed.

A woman touted as a possible future Labor leader has been found dead at her home.

Sarah Carter, 45, died “suddenly” at her home in Melbourne’s north west. She was found by police at 3.45pm on Tuesday.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious.

Ms Carter was a councillor on Maribyrnong Council, in Melbourne’s west, which covers suburbs including Footscray, Yarraville and Tottenham as well as Maribyrnong itself.

Loved ones said she had returned home earlier this week from a trip to Vanuatu for charity Save the Children.

Former Maribyrnong Mayor Sarah Carter has died. Picture: Facebook

‘Terrible loss’

Ms Carter was first elected to office in 2008 and had served as mayor of Maribyrnong three times over – the first woman to do so.

She was admired within Labor circles both in Melbourne and Canberra and some believed her political career could go well beyond local council boundaries.

Former Labor leader and current minister Bill Shorten paid tribute to Ms Carter and said she was a “remarkable” leader.

“Children’s champion, community leader, Labor through and through. The best of us.

“My thoughts are with her family and loved ones in this difficult time,” he wrote.

Sarah Carter has been called a “remarkable leader”.

Labor MP Tim Watts said Ms Carter’s “energy was limitless”.

“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.

“It’s a terrible loss to our community and our country”.

Sarah Carter was mayor of Maribyrnong three times. Picture: Mark Wilson

In a tribute on social media, City of Maribyrnong stated that it was “shocked and saddened” by the “sudden passing” of Ms Carter.

“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.

“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.”

Maribrynong City Council deputy mayor Michael Clarke described Ms Carter as a “fallen hero”.

“She wanted for nothing, only the betterment of the community,” Mr Clarke said.

“That should be on her headstone.”

“I’m in a total state of disbelief [that she is gone]. I’m hearing it but I can’t feel it. She’s still with me.”

A report is being prepared for the coroner.