‘Dolly saw the good in this world’: Teen remembered as cheeky and fun-loving

THE family of Amy “Dolly” Everett, who tragically took her own life, paid tribute to a kind and loving girl as mourners packed out her memorial service.

AMY ‘DOLLY’ EVERETT’S family paid tribute to her as a cheeky, fun loving girl who adored animals.

Her father Tick Everett recalled a young Dolly, at about six years old, ordering his boss to get her an icypole.

“That was Dolly to a tee. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go and get it,” he said.

Thousands have paid tribute to the former face of Akubra Hats, Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett, who took her own life at just 14 after being bullied. Picture: AAP Image/Facebook, Akubra Hats

The nickname Dolly came from the day of her birth, Mr Everett said. “I screamed in sideways and there she was. Kate looked down and said she was just like a perfect little china doll,” he said.

“Dolly just stuck.”

The little girl who was the face of Akubra “loved anything with four legs and a heartbeat”.

“If she could poddy it or raise it, she would,” Mr Everett said of his daughter’s habit of adopting orphaned animals.

“Sometimes much to my disgust, I’d come home and there would be another poddy on the veranda. But that was Dolly,” he said.

Family and friends release balloons at the memorial after the 14-year-old died by suicide last week. picture: Supplied

Hugs are exchanged at Casuarina Street Primary School as mourners arrive for Dolly Everett's memorial service in Katherine, Northern Territory. Picture: Michael Franchi

Megan remembered her sister, who took her own life at just 14 years old, as someone who was “always there, always willing to help”.

Mr Everett said the family was overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support.

They had expected 50-60 people at the funeral, not the hundreds that turned out.

But Mr Everett said Dolly’s story was also that of many other children.

“It is sad. There’s probably thousands of kids who’ve already done this,” he said.

“With anything in life, somebody’s got to stand up and try to make a change.

“We realise there are still going to be kids slip through the cracks — that’s life — but we’ve got to save as many as we can.”

Mr Everett said the family intended to educate kids about bullying through speaking engagements at schools. They plan to establish a trust to be called Dolly’s Dream.

Family and friends arrive at the school to pay their respects. Picture: Michael Franchi

Mr Everett comforts a crying child at the memorial. Picture: Supplied

In a prepared statement, he thanked the media and public for the response to the campaign so far.

“As a family, we will remember Dolly as a kind, gentle and loving little girl who loved her animals and cared so deeply for others less fortunate for her,” he said.

“She was loved by so many and made friends with everybody she came across.

“Dolly saw the good in this world and the good in everybody she met. We don’t want another family to go through what we are going through and our vision is to establish a trust called Dolly’s Dream.

“It won’t bring our Dolly back, but it may just prevent the loss of another young life.

“It shouldn’t have taken the loss of a young life to drive this change, but is where our journey will start.”

Her family earlier said Australians need to start talking to their children about suicide and depression before any more young lives are lost.

If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or visit Lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au

Originally published as ‘Dolly saw the good in this world’: Teen remembered as cheeky and fun-loving