Former Queenscliffe mayor and teacher Susan Salter has died

Tributes are flowing for long-serving councillor and former Bellarine Secondary College teacher Susan Salter, with community members vowing she will “never be forgotten”.

Long-serving Borough of Queenscliffe councillor and former mayor Susan Salter has died, the council has announced.

Ms Salter, a former teacher at Bellarine Secondary College, died on Wednesday night following a period of illness.

Councillor Susan Salter guides proceedings as Master of Ceremonies for Australia Day 2017.

She resigned from her duties at council on March 8, to allow her to better manage her ongoing illness.

Former student Andrea Hamblin described Ms Salter as an “inspirational woman.”

“Vale Susan Salter. I cannot believe you are gone; We always thought you were invincible,” Ms Hamblin posted online.

“Thank you for being a powerful force in our lives. An inspirational woman. Dimboola country girl turned maths whiz, tough teacher, global traveller, gardener and Queenscliffe mayor. Community champion.

“You were a mentor for many of us, even now in adulthood. An ear and an honest opinion. A kick up the arse when we needed it (and we did).

“You were kind and caring – but no nonsense. You were funny and dry. You opened my mind. “You were a friend. And you changed lives.

“Your own will not be forgotten. Thank you, Ms Salter.”

Ms Salter was first elected as a councillor with the Borough of Queenscliffe in 2012, with her near-decade of service marked by “a devotion to her community and to the people who live here”, the council has remembered in a statement.

Ms Salter would often discuss issues in depth with local residents, and would support their interests on council matters.

Mayor Susan Salter meets Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

“Ms Salter was also a capable leader, using her extensive local knowledge to inform and improve council’s work in the community,” the statement said.

“While during her term as mayor (2017-2018) Ms Salter oversaw the successful development of major projects like the upgrade to the Queenscliff Recreational Reserve, she maintained a focus on ensuring even the smallest of council’s services were delivering outcomes for our residents, including our aged care clients.”

Mayor Susan Salter meets St Aloysius Primary School students during the 2018 Kids Teaching Kids conference

The council in the statement has recounted Ms Salter’s interest in trees, gardens and parks, which saw her lead renewal works on the Ave of Honour and influence several other landscaping projects.

“From the grand old trees she worked to preserve to the newest green shoots of planting she encouraged, Ms Salter’s legacy will be in the natural spaces she nurtured that our community will enjoy for years to come,” the statement said.

Mayor Susan Salter launches the Ave of Honour restoration project

The council also recognised Ms Salter’s “remarkable” passion for many subjects to do with the council’s work.

“Ms Salter will be deeply missed by her fellow councillors, council officers, and our entire community,” the statement said.

“Our thoughts go to her family and friends during this difficult time.”

Ms Salter was also a former mathematics teacher at Bellarine Secondary College.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said she was “shocked and saddened” to learn of Ms Salter’s death.

“As a councillor and Mayor, Sue was a strong, passionate advocate, a person who worked tirelessly for Queenscliff and its ratepayers,” Ms Neville said.

“Personally, for more than 20 years I enjoyed her friendship and her support, including working as my Campaign Manager.

“Queenscliff has lost a true community champion, whose legacy will never be forgotten.”

Corangamite MP Libby Coker said she was deeply saddened by her “friend and colleague” passing.

“Today our region has lost one of its finest community leaders,” Ms Coker said.

“Anbody who knew Susan, knew her commitment and love for her community.

“During my years as a Surf Coast Shire councillor, I always found Susan to be a ferocious advocate for the Borough and its people.

“Susan had a fierce intellect, a warm laugh and she cared deeply for the more vulnerable in our community.”

Originally published as Former Queenscliffe mayor and teacher Susan Salter has died