Catherine Laffey has been remembered for her years of service to the Ballarat community.
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Mrs Laffey, who died on Sunday, was well known for her work at the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and her role as a Ballarat City councillor.
She was also a past director of McCallum, a Ballarat Health Services board member and a Ballarat Trades Hall supporter.
Mrs Laffey stood for a Ballarat legislative council seat in the 1996 state election, with federal MP Catherine King describing her as her mentor and teacher.
“(She was) passionate about social justice, politics and the world,’ Ms King said in an obituary.
Mrs Laffey was announced as head of the then University of Ballarat’s School of Human Services in 2010 and was also a university council member.
She was a Ballarat City councillor from 1987 to 1990 and an obituary notice said her “contributions to the Ballarat community and dedication to serving its people will be remembered by many for years to come”.
Her long years of service to the BHS board were also remembered. BHS acting chief executive officer Andrew Kinnersly said she was a “highly respected” board member.
“We acknowledge her significant contribution to the development of health services to the Ballarat and regional community,” Mr Kinnersly said.
An obituary from McCallum said: “Catherine was held in very high esteem and our organisation benefited greatly from her professionalism, expertise and wisdom.”
Mrs Laffey was also a strong supporter of local netball, with the Ballarat Netball Association saying they were sad to farewell a “wonderful friend and supporter of women’s sport and equality”.
Mrs Laffey helped in a BNA application to build the Llanberris stadium and the championship shield is named after her and her late husband Tom. She was also an adviser to the 1995 Ballarat Pride State League bid.
“Catherine was gracious and courageous, dignified and intelligent. A woman of substance,” the BNA said.