Tributes flow for Venus Bay drowning victim Lisa Mandeltort
A school teacher who tragically drowned while saving a teenager at Venus Bay has been remembered for her “lively soul” and “selfless” nature.
A science teacher who drowned at Venus Bay has been remembered by her colleagues and students as a “lively soul”.
Lisa Mandeltort died while trying to save a teenage girl who was struggling in the water at Beach 1 on January 13.
Ms Mandeltort was pulled from the ocean by an off-duty Venus Bay SLSC lifeguard but she could not be revived.
The 29-year-old was a science teacher at Nossal High School in Berwick and taught VCE Chemistry.
Nossal High School Principal Roger Page said the community was “deeply shocked” by Ms Mandeltort’s death.
“Lisa was a dynamic and dedicated teacher and school leader who was much loved and respected by staff and students,” Mr Page said.
“She was heavily involved in the school co-curricular programs, deeply interested in issues that impacted the environment and actively involved in community voluntary and leadership work outside the school.”
Ms Mandeltort joined Nossal High School in 2017 as a graduate science teacher and became a science domain leader in 2020 where she was responsible for a large team of teachers and the school science program.
Colleague Bradley Monaco told The Bass Coast News Ms Mandeltort was an “incredible friend” and was always there for anyone who needed it.
“This has been such a shock, but what isn’t a surprise to me is that her last act was such a selfless one,” Mr Monaco said.
“She was compassionate, kind, and always put the people around her first.”
He said it was going to be hard returning to Nossal without her there.
“She brought so much energy, enthusiasm and fun to her job and to everything else she did,” Mr Monaco said.
“She has had an enormous impact on so many people.”
Nossal High School student Arthi Earuva said Ms Mandeltort was a “lovely teacher” with a “pure heart”.
“She brought smiles everywhere she went and she was such a lively soul,” Ms Earuva said.
“Her pink hair really stood out from everyone else, just like her personality”.
Ms Earuva said she was one of the best and most relatable teachers.
“She was a genuinely good person with a pure heart … it’s like the light went out at school”.
Another student said Ms Mandeltort had a passion for reading and encouraged others to be “well-rounded individuals”.
“I remember the first time I walked into her classroom, she was wearing DNA earrings and periodic table leggings,” the student said.
“She was a teacher who wasn’t afraid to display her passion for science, and taught us to do the same.”
The student said Ms Mandeltort was a teacher who understood and appreciated the stress of VCE and made sure everyone took care of themselves.
“She was my chemistry teacher, my club leader, a mentor, and a friend,” the student said.
“She will be missed.”
Nossal High School will hold a memorial assembly in February to pay tribute and celebrate Ms Mandeltort’s significant contribution to the school.
Since July 1 last year, 38 people have drowned in Victoria — the deadliest period on record.
brooke.grebert-craig@news.com.au
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Originally published as Tributes flow for Venus Bay drowning victim Lisa Mandeltort
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