Passing of respected Elder Aunty Laura Bell (nee Lovett)

Gunditjmara acknowledge the passing of Aunty Laura Bell (nee Lovett), a proud Gunditjmara Elder and respected community leader.

She was the mother of nine children - Wayne (dec), Kelvin, Kayleen (dec), Denise, Diane, Michael, Darren (dec), Damein and Shane. Aunty Laura was one of nine children of Mary Murray Rose and Frederick Amos Lovett.

Gunditjmara staff and community send our love and strength to the Bell, Lovett and Rose families and extended family and friends.

Born in 1936 at Portland, Aunty Laura lived a full life of 89 years with passion for her family, community and values. A proud Gunditjmara woman dedicated her whole life to progressing Aboriginal Affairs where she was a life member of Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI), a key contributor to establishing the Winda-Mara and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporations, long-term Koori Court Elder, inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll for Women and the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll, and awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Ballarat to name a few of her many achievements.

She was a committed supporter of the Heywood Football Netball Club and Fitzroy Lions Football Club and was strongly connected to the communities across the state of Victoria.

For more of Aunty Laura's story, visit firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/laura-bell

The Funeral Service for the late Hon Dr. LAURA AMELIA BELL is to be held at the HEYWOOD COMMUNITY HALL, Edgar Street, Heywood, on MONDAY the 16th of MARCH, commencing at 1:00pm.

Followed by interment at Heywood Public Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Heywood.