Everyone’s cheerleader: Tributes for Sarah

ABC presenter Sarah Tomlinson is being remembered as a kind, generous soul who was “everyone’s cheerleader,” following her sudden death this week.

The ABC Mildura-Swan Hill Chief of Staff was on annual leave in South Australia when she suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction.

Sarah had been a broadcaster since the age of 14, spending many years in community radio before joining the team at the ABC.

In 2018 Sarah moved back home to Victoria’s Mallee region to be the chief of staff in one of the ABC’s most remote bureaus.

Sarah is being remembered in social media tributes as an industry mentor who helped train a new generation of aspiring radio stars.

ABC journalist Christopher Testa recalls Sarah “had the right joke or pun for any moment.”

SA Today host Jennie Lenman says Sarah was always  calm, rational and kind.

“She was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met with the best dad jokes. She brought joy wherever she went and had a marvellous ability to connect with people from all walks of life.”

Cousin Kimberley Price described Sarah as a hilarious jokester and everyone’s cheerleader.

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek also paid tribute to Sarah, saying “When I met her, I was struck by her professionalism and her good humour.”

“Thinking of all who loved her at this very sad time.”