04/03/2026
We at DWECH respectfully acknowledge the passing of Aunty Laura Bell.
Our love and strength go out to the Bell, Lovett and Rose families, and to Aunty Laura’s extended community of family and friends.
Aunty Laura was a valued part of DWECH’s early years, a strong Gunditjmara leader and powerful voice for mob.
Rest easy in the Dreamtime 🖤💛❤️
One of our dearest community members Aunty Laura Bell (nee Lovett) aka Mamas entered the Dreamtime yesterday at 89 years young. 🖤💛❤️
She was the mother of nine children - Wayne (dec), Kelvin, Kayleen (dec), Denise, Diane, Michael, Darren (dec), Damein and Shane. Aunty Laura was one of nine children of Mary Murray Rose and Frederick Amos Lovett.
Winda-Mara Board, staff and community send our love and strength to the Bell, Lovett and Rose families and Mamas' extended family and friends.
Born in 1936 at Portland, Aunty Laura lived a full life of 89 years with passion for her family, community and values. A proud Gunditjmara woman dedicated her whole life to progressing Aboriginal Affairs where she was a life member of Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI), a key contributor to establishing the Winda-Mara and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporations, long-term Koori Court Elder, inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll for Women and the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll, and awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Ballarat to name a few of her many achievements.
She was a committed supporter of the Heywood Football Netball Club and Fitzroy Lions Football Club and was strongly connected to the communities across the state of Victoria.
For more of Aunty Laura's story, visit firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/laura-bell
The Funeral Service for the late Hon Dr. LAURA AMELIA BELL is to be held at the HEYWOOD COMMUNITY HALL, Edgar Street, Heywood, on MONDAY the 16th of MARCH, commencing at 1:00pm.
Followed by interment at Heywood Public Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Heywood.
