Colleagues of Whittlesea councillor Nicola Davis have described her as an inspiration and “a breath of fresh air” following her death from cancer last week at the age of 35.
The north ward councillor and mother of two was elected in 2012 and had since left an indelible mark on the community, fellow north ward councillor Rex Griffen said.
“She did so much for the community in such a short time,” he said.
“I met her a few years back at an event she was hosting at a local restaurant. She said the money raised was to go towards cycling and 50 per cent was to be given to a disability charity. She always thought of others before herself.”
Cr Davis was born in the UK and had also lived in South Africa before moving to Australia with husband Paul in 2005.
The couple opened their South Morang bike shop, Bike ’n’ Bean in 2009.
Cr Griffen said that since Cr Davis became one of five new faces sworn in on the council in October 2012, she had worked tirelessly as a cycling advocate.
A council spokeswoman said councillors and staff were saddened by Cr Davis’s death.
“During her 18 months as a councillor Nicola made a wonderful contribution to our community,” she said.
“She worked tirelessly as a councillor and local resident to make a difference and was highly respected. But nothing was more important to her than her much-loved husband, Paul, daughters Sienna and Tabatha, family and friends. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”
Husband Paul posted the news of her death on Facebook.
“She fought so hard to stay with us, but the cancer beat her in the end,” he wrote.
“Nicola packed so much into her 35 years, much more than most people do in a lifetime.
“She brought light and laughter into all our lives, we are going to miss her deeply. Nicola, you will always be in our hearts, we love you so much. Now rest in peace.”
Cr Alessi expressed his condolences online. “In your short time on Whittlesea council you were an inspiration, a great colleague and friend,” he wrote.
