Thursday, 19 March 2020

Carlos Santin

Mr MAAS (Narre Warren South)

It is with great sadness that the community of Narre Warren South mourn the tragic passing of Carlos Santin on 26 February, a friend and community leader loved by many of us. Carlos was only 41, but lived his life with such kindness and determination that he impacted all those around him. As an executive offer at the Casey Cardinia Foundation, Carlos dedicated himself to helping his community through grant writing and fundraising endeavours. He was a steadfast and passionate advocate, and those who knew him well describe him as generous and a loving friend.

Carlos worked hard. He completed degrees in international relations and environmental science at Deakin University. As well as volunteer work, he worked at Coles and as a cleaner but had extensive experience in policy work and grant writing, often done pro bono in an effort to help others.

Just a few months ago Carlos was an integral part of organising the Casey Cardinia Foundation’s annual charity dinner, which raised a large amount to help reduce our community’s disadvantage, poverty and distress. I knew Carlos the last two years. He was someone who gave himself in the service of others. He was kind, funny, generous and passionate about good outcomes for the community.

It is never easy to lose someone like Carlos, especially at such a young age, but his legacy continues in the work he did, and we can take comfort in this. I pass on my sincere condolences to Carlos’s family: his mother, Blanca; father, Julio; and his brother, Julio Jnr, and to his friends as they go through this difficult time. Carlos’s life was way too short, and he will be greatly missed. Vale, Carlos Santin.