2016-09-05
Ms SPRINGLE (South Eastern Metropolitan) — It is with the deepest sadness that today I rise to speak of the passing of Frances Maureen Sutherland, a stalwart Greens member of the inner east and someone I have known most of my life as one of my family’s closest friends. Over the years, Fran left her special imprint on my development as a person. With her warmth, feminism, whip‑smart intellect, unique world view and larger‑than‑life energy she will always remain one of my most cherished and loved matriarchs. With striking auburn hair and amazonian stature, Frances was an accomplished psychologist in the disability sector but was also one of Melbourne’s great creatives — a gifted raconteur, performer, scriptwriter, poet, director and photographer.
No‑one really knows if Fran was a founding member of the Boroondara branch of the Greens, but equally no‑one can remember a time she was not around, so in all likelihood she was there from the beginning. She was a committed social and environmental activist. Her belief in the Greens movement was enduring — so much so that when she was recently hospitalised one of her main concerns was whether she would be able to vote. Her vision for a better world was inspirational. Rest in peace, dear Fran. You will be missed.