General News
11 February, 2025
Dimboola actress dies
Australian TV icon Leila Hayes, who was born in Dimboola, has died.
Ms Hayes was born on January 12 1940 and had a career across three decades in Australian film and TV.
Her daughter Melissa confirmed the news in a statement.
"This message is not easy to share, and done only out of the great respect she had for all those who have followed, worked with or studied with her over the years," Melissa said.
"Grateful I could be there with her at the time and for all the amazing memories shared.
"I am sure she would feel incredibly humbled by the overwhelmingly loving support."
Ms Hayes began her career as a singer on The Bert Newton Show in the early 1970s before finding her calling as a soap star.
She featured initially in Matlock Police in 1971 before being a part of Sons and Daughters (1982 to 1987) and A Country Practice, Cop Shop and Prisoner.
She is best remembered for her portrayal of Beryl Palmer in Sons and Daughters, playing the part in close to 1000 episodes.
Her final role was in 2005 in an Australian movie called Chasing Down the Dawn.
Over the years Ms Hayes worked with some of Australia's most famous film and TV stars, including Bert Newton, John Wood and Michael Caton.
Ms Hayes died on January 19 after a long period of ill health.
She is survived by her daughter Melissa, son-in-law Erik and grandsons Lucian and Liam.
