It is with profound sadness that City of Newcastle and the family of Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan announce her sudden and unexpected passing on Monday morning.
In honour of her service and memory, City of Newcastle will lower its flags to half-mast.
Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan
Sinead was a passionate advocate for social justice, equity and community empowerment. Before her election to Council, she built a career in leisure and tourism studies and was a qualified mediator. She also served as the Organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle, where she worked tirelessly to support staff and improve working conditions.
Her election as a Ward 3 Councillor was a significant milestone in her life. At her first Council meeting, Sinead spoke with pride about her Irish heritage and paid tribute to her late father, Ollie.
Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Dr Ross Kerridge, said it is a great loss to Council.
"I admired her thoughtful contributions and generally positive, honest and optimistic view of the world. She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour," Cr Kerridge said.
"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."
City of Newcastle Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said Sinead brought energy, compassion, and integrity to her role on Council.
"Sinead served on the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee, where she championed the voices of young people, marginalised communities and people living with disability," Mr Bath said.
"Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a Councillor last week including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, as well as meeting with constituents, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about."
Former Greens Councillor Michael Osborne paid tribute to his Greens' colleague.
"It is with incredibly deep sorrow and shock that the Newcastle Greens acknowledge the sudden and unexpected death of Sinead Francis-Coan, City of Newcastle Councillor for Ward 3. Sinead was a fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague," Mr Osborne said.
"Sinead was a dedicated and committed Councillor whose selfless work for the broader community was unstinting. 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."
Sinead's family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old and she was educated at Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow.
She passed away at the age of 40, leaving behind her mother, Lyndall, and sisters Roisin and Ciara. Her family is heartbroken by her loss and grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time.
Sinead's family kindly requests privacy as they grieve and await the findings of the Coroner's report.
