Vale Laurel O’Toole

By Cathy Jones (2023)

Laurel O’Toole, former Mayor of Strathfield, passed away on 24 August 2023 aged 80 years.  Lauren served for many years as an Alderman (later retitled Councillor) and then as Mayor from September 1998 until July 2000. She was always gracious and generous and will be missed by those who knew her.

Click here for details of her funeral 

Laurel Jennifer O’Toole grew up in Auburn and Homebush and completed her schooling at Strathfield Girls High.  She trained as a nurse at Auburn hospital and later Midwifery at Crown Street Hospital. After marriage, she and her husband Vic O’Toole returned to Strathfield to live. 

Laurel was first elected to Strathfield Council as an Alderman in the 1991 Council election and was  re-elected at the 1995 election, thereby serving two consecutive terms until 2000.  She was elected Mayor in September 1998 and served until July 2000. She also served as Deputy Mayor in 1998.  She recorded a oral history interview in 2003, which is held at Strathfield Library.  She discusses her service on many committees with development of bid for Sydney Olympics and importance of community involvement in local government.