Elaine joined the Bendigo branch of the ALP in February 1962, just before her 18th birthday and soon after the election of Labor’s Noel Beaton to the federal seat.

She remained a member for 55 years, receiving life membership from the party in 2002.

As a volunteer, and later as a paid casual worker, she was involved in numerous election campaigns in Bendigo, helping with postal votes, letter-boxing, handing out how-to-vote cards and scrutineering.

She also occasionally acted as office receptionist.

In the 1960s. she was one of the inaugural members of the Bendigo ALP women’s group, which lent support to campaigns. 

Elaine was also known through her association with the Boundary Hotel, which she ran with her late husband, Leo, from 1966 to 1971, and where she was a bar attendant from 1976 to 2001 when the hotel was managed by her mother, Gloria Fry.

She was also well known in Bendigo’s Catholic community, particularly at St Kilian’s, where she was a regular church-goer and volunteer. 

Among her many Christian acts were visits to sick parishioners.  

Elaine died of melanoma on December 11, aged 73. 

The large crowd at her requiem mass funeral included many ALP supporters and former and sitting ALP Bendigo state and federal MPs and candidates.

Later, in State Parliament, Bendigo East MLA and Transport Minister Jacinta Allan, paid tribute to Elaine, also on behalf of Bendigo West MLA Maree Edwards, describing her as a “passionate and committed member of Labor”.

“She was a true believer,” Ms Allan told Parliament.

“She never lost faith in the desirability and possibility of progress and in the role that a progressive party plays achieving it.” 

“Elaine not only saw a long period of Bendigo’s and Australia’s history over half a century, but like the thousands of other committed Labor activists, she helped make it happen.” 

Elaine’s friend former ALP Bendigo federal and state member David Kennedy devoted the classical music segment on Phoenix FM community radio to Elaine, with a selection of some of her favourite compositions and songs.

Elaine grew up at the former Fleece Inn Hotel in Charleston Road and later the Boundary Hotel and attended St Mary’s College (now Catholic College Bendigo) from 1949 to 1960, where she received her Leaving (year 11) certificate.

She began work as a receptionist for Dr William Straede, in McCrae Street and later moved to a similar role at then Ford dealership Provincial Motors, where she met her future husband, Leo, an accountant.

They married in 1966.

In her youth Elaine liked horse riding, 1950s rock and roll music, and swimming.

She joined the Bendigo Swimming Club in her early teenage years, where club doyen and Olympics official the late Allan Monaghan said she displayed exceptional ability.

Elaine’s other passions included following South Bendigo and St Kilda football clubs, classical music, photography, her pet dog “Tubby”, and horse-racing.

In keeping with her Irish heritage, she liked a regular punt on the races.

Elaine was gregarious, quick-witted and well-loved by all who knew her.

She had an exceptional memory and a wide general knowledge,  and was a walking encyclopedia of Bendigo names, family connections and places.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Nicole, and sons Philip and Daniel.