17th OCTOBER 2025 - LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY - NSW PARLIAMENT
Ms LIZA BUTLER (South Coast) (17:11): I pay tribute to an extraordinary woman, Michelle Rebecca Miran, who passed away on 22 September 2025. Michelle was a woman of intellect, compassion, conviction and courage, a true believer in Labor values and a fierce advocate for fairness and community. Born in Sydney in 1951, Michelle's early life was shaped by her close relationship with her grandparents in Penrith, who instilled in her the values of hard work, humility and generosity. Her grandmother also inspired a lifelong love of cooking, particularly traditional Jewish dishes. Michelle would later share that warmth and hospitality with everyone who walked through her door.
After returning to Sydney's eastern suburbs, Michelle attended St Catherine's School in Waverley, before studying home economics at TAFE and becoming a teacher. She was a proud and active member of the New South Wales Teachers Federation and was deeply committed to public education and the empowerment of her students. Michelle was instrumental in developing a life skills course for people living with disabilities. That curriculum is still taught today, which is a lasting example of her dedication to inclusion, dignity and practical change. Michelle went on to teach at TAFE and completed further studies in adult education. Later, she ran several successful small businesses, including the Tearooms at Vaucluse House and her own cafe in Paddington. Wherever she went, Michelle built communities, whether it was in a classroom, cafe or committee room.
Michelle's love of animals, especially horses, eventually drew her to the South Coast. What began as weekend riding in Centennial Park became a lifelong passion for dressage. She later moved to Vincentia, bringing her unmistakable mix of energy, humour and determination. On the South Coast, Michelle became woven into the very fabric of our community. She was involved with the Shoalhaven Food Network, Interchange, the Bendigo Community Bank and local Aboriginal organisations, where her skills in management, training and governance made her an invaluable contributor. Michelle did not just join committees; she strengthened them. She did not just volunteer; she led. She made every organisation she touched more capable, more compassionate and more connected.
Michelle was a proud member of the Australian Labor Party, and her commitment to social justice and equality was never just political; it was personal. Michelle believed in the power of education, the dignity of work and the importance of community. Those values guided her throughout her life in her advocacy, and I fear our Labor conferences will never be the same. Everyone always knew when Michelle Miran was in the room. She brought warmth, energy and her trademark wit to every discussion. She was never afraid to speak her mind and was always driven by a deep belief in fairness. For me personally, Michelle was not only a dear friend and surrogate mother but also campaign manager. She was sharp, strategic and endlessly optimistic. She approached every challenge with courage and clarity.
When others doubted, Michelle would say, "We can do this. We just need to get organised," and she was always right. Michelle knew how to bring people together, build consensus and inject humour into the most serious conversations. She was calm under pressure and fierce in her loyalty—to her family, her team, her principles and her community. Despite not having children of her own, Michelle was a maternal presence to so many—to her siblings, her nieces and nephews, and the many young people she mentored through her teaching and volunteer work. Michelle loved her dogs, friends, students and colleagues with equal measure. She always had a big heart and an even bigger laugh.
Michelle's passing has left a deep hole in the South Coast community and in the hearts of all who knew her. But her legacy lives on. It lives on in the classrooms where her life skills program is still taught, in the local organisations she strengthened and in the people she inspired to stand up for what is right. Michelle Miran was one of those rare people who did not just talk about community; she built it. She lived her Labor values every day of fairness, equality, compassion and opportunity for all. I will miss her friendship, her humour and her steadfast belief that we can always do better, for each other and for the communities we serve. May Michelle Miran's memory be a blessing and an inspiration to all of us.
