Lilly Thomas: Young Kyabram beautician farewelled at Tongala funeral
A young Kyabram beautician who tragically took her life has been farewelled in an emotional service attended by mourners across the Goulburn Valley.
Goulburn Valley
Don't miss out on the headlines from Goulburn Valley. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A young Kyabram beautician has been remembered for the profound impact she had on the Goulburn Valley as friends and family vow to carry on her legacy.
Lilly Rose Thomas, 21, a fierce mental health advocate, was farewelled at an emotional service in Tongala in the state’s north on Thursday after she tragically took her life on November 17.
Mourners from across the Goulburn Valley dressed in bright colours but it was green, Lilly’s favourite, that stood out the most.
Friends said her name would “never be spoken for the last time”.
“You made an impact Lill,” close friend Ellie Fry said on behalf of her friend Jas.
“You mattered, you were loved. I promise to tell your story, speak of your strength and courage and try to help as many people as you did.”
Speaking on behalf of herself, Ellie reminded friends and family to check in on each other.
“Be kind,” she said.
“As cliche as it might sound, we are all fighting a battle that no one knows about.
“Just because they look okay doesn’t mean they always are.”
Lilly’s sister Liz ‘Chook’ Thomas said Lilly was cheeky and loving.
“She was as tall and beautiful as a model, and she was good at bossing me around,” she said.
“One of my best memories of Lilly was the puppet shows she would put on for us instead of sleeping. But I would laugh too loud and get us both into trouble ... I am thankful to my mum who loved her more than anyone else could ... I hope she’s not getting into too much trouble in heaven.”
Funeral celebrant Susan Moody said Lilly wanted to make a difference.
“And she has done more than that,” she said.
Magistrate slams driver for ‘appalling’ drug driving
A man rolled his eyes at a magistrate after she called him out for using a “massive” amount of drugs and “appalling” driving of a truck towing an excavator in Kialla.
Two people arrested after Goulburn Valley police chase
A Flora Hill man and Kyabram woman have been arrested after allegedly ramming into a police car and leading officers on a chase on the Midland Highway.