NORTHERN District Community Health has led more tributes to a “champion” of its cause as family and friends prepare to farewell Quambatook stalwart Merril Kelly this week.
“The board and staff of Northern District Community Health are deeply saddened by the passing of Merril Kelly,” it said in a statement.
“Merril was an integral part of NDCH as a board director for 27 years and being appointed life governor in 2023 on the 30th anniversary of NDCH.
“Steadfast, loyal and dedicated to her community, Merril gave of herself, her time and her talents without restraint.”
Victoria Police late last week confirmed a body found near the old Quambatook cemetery on January 21 was that of the 70-year-old.
Ms Kelly’s body was discovered after emergency services initially responded to a report of a grass fire near Cemetery Road.
A 67-year-old Quambatook man has been charged with murder and remanded to appear at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on April 30.
NDCH said her passion for rural communities and commitment to helping those in need “inspired her advocacy for better access to services for her town of Quambatook and the broader region”.
“Her lifetime of advocacy and dedication has built a legacy that will endure for generations,” NDCH said in a statement.
“With a team of 140 staff and 180 volunteers, we would not be the organisation we are today, were it not for Merril.
“We will honour her legacy every day by providing quality community-based health services and support to our communities where and when they are needed.
“A mentor, a colleague, a teammate, a friend – there are no words for the void that she leaves in our community and in our hearts.
“We will uphold the spirit of community that Merril treasured so deeply.”
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been set up to help alleviate financial stress for the Kelly family.
It raised more than $18,000 as of Friday.
“Merril was the backbone of the small Quambatook community – diminutive in stature, but giant in spirit, and a force to be reckoned with,” the organiser, Nicole Fedke, said.
“Her unwavering dedication to local initiatives left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
“Merril poured her heart and soul into making her community a better place for all.”
The organiser revealed Ms Kelly was the primary carer for her husband, who is living with dementia.
“With her sudden and devastating loss, her children, Rosalie and William, will now step in to ensure Graeme receives the care he needs,” Ms Fedke said.
“The community is rallying to support the Kelly family during this incredibly challenging time.
“We, Rosalie’s high school friends, on behalf of the Kelly family, have created this GoFundMe campaign to support Graeme’s care and provide financial relief for Rosalie and Will, allowing them to focus on healing and honouring Merril’s legacy during this difficult time.
“Merril’s spirit and determination were the heart of Quambatook, and her memory will forever be etched in the lives she touched.
“Let us come together to honour her extraordinary contributions and ensure her family feels the love and support of the community she so deeply cared for. Any donation, big or small, will make a meaningful difference.”
Ms Kelly’s life will be celebrated at the Quambatook Weir on Friday at 10.30am.
Mourners are encouraged to bring a posy of flowers from their garden. Bring a chair or picnic rug.
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-kelly-family-after-tragic-loss.
