She passed away "unexpectedly" on Saturday (December 6). A private funeral will take place in the coming weeks, and will be followed by a public event in Melbourne.

Her family issued the following statement: "With great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Stella Young, our much-loved and irreplaceable daughter and sister.

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"Stella passed away on Saturday evening, unexpectedly, but in no pain."

Besides her comedy work, Young was also the editor of the disability news website Ramp Up, and also covered the 2012 London Paralympic Games for Australian television.

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard paid tribute to Young, tweeting: "Stella Young was a shining light for care and action on disabilities. We mourn her passing and rededicate ourselves to her spirit."