Sienna Ratila: Family calls for more support for youth following Mooroopna teen’s suicide

Those closest to a 13-year-old girl who died by suicide have gathered in the Goulburn Valley during an emotional memorial service to the much-loved teen.

More than 100 people have farewelled a “beautiful,” “positive” teen during an emotional memorial service in the Goulburn Valley on Wednesday night.

Sienna Ratila of Mooroopna died on March 11, a week after she tried to take her own life and was put on life support.

Those closest to her gathered in Mooroopna to remember the Greater Shepparton Secondary College student.

The school dedicated a hymn to the 13-year-old’s memory after her family last week vowed to use their heartbreak for change, while classmates also raised candles in her honour during a five minute silence.

Last week stepmum Roxanne said Sienna had a heart of gold.

“She was very energetic,” she said.

“She loved music, painting and was creative.”

Sienna pictured as a child. She died on March 11 aged 13. Picture: Supplied

Sienna has been remembered for her energy, generosity and big heart. Picture: Supplied

Sienna had been accessing mental health support for two years but her family say it wasn’t enough.

“Her father and I took her to the emergency department (in Shepparton) for 10 different (suicide) attempts,” Roxanne said.

Sienna was diagnosed with ADHD last year but Roxanne said her depression was “brushed off”.

“We want kids to be able to speak to someone – their friends if not their parents so they don’t have to carry these things alone,” she said.

Sienna’s aunties, Katie and Britt Mulcahy, said their niece was a fighter.

“She fought this battle against mental illness for quite some time,” they said.

“She would always stand up for the underdog ... she was the type of girl who wouldn’t often stand up for herself but would more so for anyone else.

“I just wish this time she stood up for herself.”

Sienna Ratila with her father Villimoni. Picture: Supplied

Sienna was a student at Greater Shepparton Secondary College and enjoyed playing tennis. Picture: Supplied

Katie has set up a GoFundMe page to give Sienna “the send off she deserves”.

“Her family tried to save her but I guess it was Sienna’s time to spread her wings but her family were not ready to say goodbye,” she said.

“The death of a child is heart wrenching ... no parent should ever have to bury their child.

“Death is a really complicated thing to deal with ... the last thing they need is to worry about money so every cent counts and will give them some bit of relief and peace.”

Sienna is survived by her father Villimoni, her stepmum and her seven siblings.

A memorial will be held at the Mooroopna football oval on McLennan St at 7pm on Wednesday March 23.