Lorraine Elliott AM

Lorraine made a valuable contribution to Victoria and encouraged women to engage in political life. She was deeply passionate about supporting grassroot community organisations.

This dedication to community involvement led to her becoming a member of the Girl Guides State Council and Executive, President and Vice President of the Citizens Welfare Service of Victoria, and a board member of the Children's Television Foundation, the St John's Homes for Boys and Girls, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Melbourne Inc. Her contributions and mentoring benefited many young people, leaving a lasting positive influence on their lives.

Lorraine placed great value on quality childcare, health care and education. She was a strong advocate for women's involvement in leadership and government, and successfully ran for Parliament, after which she became the inaugural member for Mooroolbark in the Legislative Assembly of the Victorian Parliament from 1992 to 2002.

She served as Parliamentary Secretary of the Arts in the Kennett Government from 1996 to 1999, and as Shadow Minister for Community Services and the Arts from 1999 to 2002. She was a champion and mentor for women, encouraging and inspiring them to serve in Parliament and participate in public life.

Lorraine was also a committed supporter of the arts, as demonstrated through her involvement on boards including the Melbourne International Arts Festival, the Victorian College of the Arts Foundation, and the Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust. She was also later appointed President of the Australian Centre for The Moving Image. In 2006, Lorraine was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to the Victorian Parliament and to the community for her involvement in a range of cultural, youth and health organisations.

Lorraine passed away in July 2014, leaving an outstanding legacy and lasting contribution to society.