Darebin mourns the loss of former Councillor and Mayor, Rae Perry AM

Darebin City Council is deeply saddened by the passing of former Mayor and Councillor Rae Perry AM (later Kingsbury). 

Rae served the Darebin community as Councillor from 1998 to 2004 and as Mayor in 2004. This followed a distinguished career as a nurse, midwife, Oxfam campaigner and union organiser.  

Her leadership at Darebin is marked by her passion for community engagement, good governance and democracy. During her time at Council, she founded the Darebin Women’s Advisory Committee which has since paved the way for many women in leadership. 

Paying tribute, Mayor, Cr Dimitriadis said, 

“Rae Perry's dedication to our community was truly extraordinary, and her impact on Darebin and beyond will be felt for generations. Her work championing women in leadership and fostering international friendships is a legacy we will proudly uphold. On behalf of the Darebin City Council, I offer my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.” 

Rae’s commitment to community politics saw her serve on the boards of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), the Municipal Association of Australia and the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA). In 2004, Rae was the first woman elected as national president of the ALGA.  

In 2020, Rae was recognised in the Australia Day Honours List as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her incredible work in Victorian Local Government and our community while a Councillor at City of Darebin. 

Rae is also known for her work with overseas communities including Timor Leste, where following the vote for independence she co-founded the community-based Australia Timor-Leste Friendship network. In 2012, she was appointed Honorary Consul for Timor-Leste Victoria.  

Rae will be remembered for her guidance and unwavering belief in community.