A local government politician has died suddenly at 40-years-old as it’s revealed she attended a host of community events in the last week despite ‘feeling unwell’.
Newcastle City councillor Sinéad Francis-Coan died unexpectedly in her home on Monday morning following a short period of illness.
The City of Newcastle confirmed on Tuesday it would fly its flags at half-mast to commemorate the loss of the beloved councillor.
She was elected to Ward Three of the Newcastle City Council in October last year as a representative of the Newcastle Greens.
Colleagues have praised the late councillor for spending her final days attending community events and meeting with constituents.
‘Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a councillor last week including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said.
Mr Bath said Ms Francis-Coan’s final acts demonstrated her ‘unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about’.
Lord Mayor of Newcastle Dr Ross Kerridge said she had a ‘charming personality and a great sense of humour’ adding her death was a ‘great loss’ to the council.
Newcastle councillor Sinead Francis-Coan (pictured) died on Monday following a short illness
Ms Francis-Coan has been remembered as a passionate advocate and beloved daughter
‘She took to being a ward councillor like a duck to water and she was hard-working for the community and was obviously really enjoying being a councillor and addressing issues for the community,’ Dr Kerridge said.
She is survived by her mother Lyndall and sisters Roisin and Ciara.
On Tuesday morning, Lyndall described her daughter’s death as unexpected, adding she would be missed by many.
‘With great sadness we’re sharing the news that my daughter, Sinead Evelyn Francis-Coan passed away unexpectedly in her home yesterday,’ she wrote on Facebook.
‘We know that Sinéad was loved by many and was active in so many communities and groups.’
Ms Francis-Coan’s family moved to Newcastle when she was only six months old, where she later attended Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow.
A qualified mediator, Ms Francis-Coan worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle.
Newcastle City Council described her election as a ‘significant milestone in her life’ following earlier electoral runs at the local and state level.
Ms Francis-Coan, a representative of the Newcastle Greens, spent her final days attending community events and meeting with her constituents
Within the council, she served on the the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee.
Her colleagues described her as being of proud Irish stock, adding she used her first appearance on the council to acknowledge her heritage and late father, Ollie.
Former Greens councillor Michael Osborne said the news of Ms Francis-Coan’s death came as a ‘shock’ and was met with ‘incredibly deep sorrow’.
‘Sinead’s integrity and service has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her.
‘This tragic loss is felt deeply by our members and wider party, and we extend our deepest sympathies for Sinead’s family and loved ones.
‘We stand together with all who will honour Sinead’s legacy and memory.’
Her family has requested privacy as they grieve and await the outcome of the coroner’s report.
More to follow.
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