Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Carol Weller

Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Creative Industries) (10:28): I rise today to honour the life of Carol Weller, a lifelong advocate for fairness, compassion and the values of the Labor Party. Carol was a single mother at a time when this was often stigmatised. As a single mum, she returned to work to support her family independently, a bold act in an era when many women lacked options, working in aged care and textiles. Her courage extended to immigrating to Australia, where she built a purposeful life surrounded by friends and family and her meaningful work. Beyond her family, Carol’s passions ranged from animal welfare – she once famously adopted a donkey – to art, music and history. Carol joined the Watsonia branch of the Labor Party in 1983, inspired by Bob Hawke and local Labor leaders like John Cain. She became a fixture of election campaigns, always on the front line with a sign, leaflets and an unshakeable belief in the power of democratic participation. She proudly supported local campaigns for John Cain, Peter Staples, Jenny Macklin, Kate Thwaites and me. I remember Carol’s selfless commitment as a volunteer at Watsonia Primary School, which ran what they called a grandparents program, utilising wonderful retirees like Carol to help support students with reading, maths and other tasks. Carol passed away on 1 April this year at the age of 89. She was cremated with her ALP life membership badge pinned proudly to her chest. Carol was a true believer. May her legacy continue to inspire for generations to come.