Mayoral Statement – Passing of Carmel Russell
Published on 02 January 2025
As Mayor of Frankston City, I was very saddened to hear of the passing of long-time Frankston resident and public safety advocate Carmel Russell, on Sunday 22 December.
Carmel was the mother of murder victim Natalie Russell, who was brutally taken from us in 1993 – a shocking time for the family and indeed the whole of Frankston City.
Carmel and husband Brian have been an important part of Frankston City for many years. Our community rallied around the Russell’s in their time of horrendous grief, and again recently in 2019 when they almost lost their home, and instead a very generous local investor extended their lease for as long as they both lived.
Personally, I first met the Russell’s way back in 1999 where I worked alongside them in creating what is today known as ‘Nat’s Track’. In 2021, I was also very pleased, in my second term as mayor, to have led the comprehensive (and very much needed) $300,000 upgrade of ‘Nat’s Track’ which ensured Natalie continued to be honoured and remembered throughout Frankston City.
Among the many improvements, one of the lasting features of ‘Nat’s Track’ is the memorial bronze sculpture that was created and installed in consultation with Carmel and Brian. It features a school bag adorned with a local flower – 17 everlasting daisies to celebrate Natalie’s 17-years of life.
Carmel and Brian always looked out for one another and the community as a whole. They have supported other families who were also victims of horrible crimes and together they vigorously fought to implement ‘Nat’s Law’ which prevents people convicted of serious crimes, including murderers and sex offenders, from making repeated parole applications. Kudos to Paul Edbrooke MP on working with the family on this important piece of legislation that became law in in 2023.
I’m so proud of the Frankston community for supporting the Russell family all these years. Carmel will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved her, and especially by Brian. Notwithstanding, I am confident our community will once again step up and support the Russell family!
If you are able to contribute, please consider making a donation to helping the Russell family fund Carmel’s imminent funeral: https://www.gofundme.com/f/carmel-russell
Frankston has truly lost one of the good ones but Carmel’s work to continually honour her daughter was so inspiring and important – on behalf of the people of Frankston City, I thank Carmel for showing us the true definition of what a loving mother is.
Frankston’s thoughts and prayers are with Brian and the Russell family.