On behalf of my fellow Councillors and all staff at Greater Dandenong City Council I want to acknowledge the passing of Helen Heath, OAM – a remarkable woman who gave so much of herself to the City of Greater Dandenong and its people.
For more than 30 years, Helen worked tirelessly to bring people together across faiths, cultures and difference, always doing so with humility, patience and an unwavering sense of fairness.
As a cornerstone of our Interfaith Network since 2000 - serving as President, Executive Member, Secretary, and later as Development Officer and Executive Officer - Helen was a calm, strong and deeply empathetic voice for dialogue and mutual respect.
Her work extended nationally and internationally through the Parliament of the World’s Religions, the Faith Communities Council of Victoria, and the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia, reflecting her lifelong commitment to peace, understanding and inclusion.
Many will also fondly remember Helen using gentle humour and mindfulness to bring joy, hope and connection to others.
Helen’s leadership, generosity and humility earned her widespread respect and many honours, including an Order of Australia and induction into Council’s own Living Treasures program. But those who knew her understand Helen’s true legacy lives in the relationships she built, the doors she opened - and held open - for others, and the sense of belonging she helped create across our extended and diverse communities.
On behalf of Council, her fellow Living Treasures, and the people of Greater Dandenong, we extend our deepest sympathy to Colin and their children, and we thank them for sharing Helen with us.
Helen Heath will always remain a treasured part of Greater Dandenong’s story, and she will be dearly missed.
Greater Dandenong Mayor, Cr Sophie Tan