Our comrade, friend and SEARCH Treasurer, Helen Hewett, passed away on 19 February, aged 74. We publish below a tribute to Helen by her husband Rex and daughter Peta.

On learning of Helen's passing, the SEARCH Committee paid tribute to Helen's lifetime of activism and her tireless and extensive work for SEARCH. The Foundation expresses its deep condolences to Helen's partner of 54 years, Rex, their daughter Peta, her older brother Tom McDonald, her sisters Joan and Leona and her brother John, Helen's wider family, and her many comrades and friends. We understand that a celebration of Helen's life will be held in late March and details of this will be circulated when they are available.

Tribute to Helen Hewett AM

Helen Claire Hewett AM passed away peacefully on 19 February 2022 at 74 years of age after a long battle with NeuroEndocrine cancer. Helen was the youngest of 10 siblings born into a working class family in Glebe, Sydney. She will remain in our hearts as an extraordinary woman who fought for equality and social justice all her life, including as an early anti-conscription, anti-Vietnam war and peace activist.

She was a feminist all her adult life, accountant for the NSW Teachers Federation, became CEO of CBUS, the building industry super fund, a founding member of Women in Super, Chair of Queen Victoria Women’s Centre and the creator of the mental health organisation SuperFriend.

Helen was not an egotistical person, not a grandstander, but your first pick in the team. She was a loyal, hard-working member & Treasurer of the SEARCH Foundation and reordered its finances to ensure it was able to achieve its goals. Her strategic advice was valued highly by the SEARCH Committee.

Just as importantly she loved her family & friends deeply and was dearly loved mother to Peta & much loved partner of 54 years with Rex.
May she be a role model for those who commit to making the world a sustainable, fairer & peaceful place.

- Rex & Peta Hewett