Tara Murray
Former Brimbank mayor Dorothy Costa is being remembered as a kind person who gave so much to the community.
Mrs Costa, who served on Keilor and Brimbank councils from 1989 to 2008, was laid to rest last week after dying on July 5 following a long illness.
Mrs Costa’s oldest daughter, Michelle Rhodes, said her mother was passionate about her family and the community.
“She was elected to be in the Keilor council in 1989 and was mayor in 1991 [1991-92],” she said.
“She continued to serve on council [which became Brimbank council] and was mayor in 2004. She was on council until 2008, when she retired.
“She served on the PCCC [Police community consultative committee] and was on the committee of the Keilor Gift. She was involved with sporting groups and did a lot of volunteer work over the years.
“She was involved in work for teenagers and getting funding for community parks and gardens.”
Ms Rhodes said her mother’s biggest focus was giving back to the community.
After growing up in the country, she settled in North Sunshine with her family.
She and husband Frank later moved to Keilor and ran their own business.
“She was about the community all the time,” Ms Rhodes said.
“When there were injustices, she felt she could use her voice and make sure things could happen.
“She was fair and liked to do the right thing, which wasn’t always the easy thing.”
Ms Rhodes said that love of helping others also flowed into their house growing up.
Ms Rhodes, her sister Lisa and brother Frank, remember plenty of good times.
Mrs Costa also liked to travel and said a trip to Italy three years ago as a highlight.
“The house was always full of teenagers,” she said. “She would always feed all of us.”
