Dolly’s Dream foundation dedicated to stamping out bullying and giving a voice to those in need

It’s been almost four years since the tragic suicide of 14-year-old Dolly Everett. Now, in the wake of her death, her parents and big sister are continuing to fight for other at-risk children.

It’s been almost four years since the tragic suicide of 14-year-old Dolly Everett, whose death sent shockwaves throughout Australia and shone a light on the country’s sinister youth bullying epidemic.

Pushed to the brink by bullies at her Queensland boarding school, country girl Dolly took her own life in January 2018 – four years ago on Monday.

In the wake of her death, Dolly’s parents Tick and Kate and big sister Meg established Dolly’s Dream, a successful foundation dedicated to stamping out bullying and giving a voice to those in need.

With online resources for families, cyber safety programs in schools and the launch of a help line, the Everett’s have built a foundation from the ground up which has reached millions of people.

Dolly’s big sister Meg, 20, said she had chosen to take a bigger role in the foundation’s work from this year, determined to ensure her sister’s name is never forgotten.

“I really don’t want any other family to go through what we’ve gone through,” she said.

“It’s devastating to everyone.”

Pushed to the brink by bullies at her Queensland boarding school, country girl Dolly took her own life in January 2018.

Meg, who attended the same boarding school as her sister, said she wanted to honour Dolly’s legacy and help other young people like her.

“My little sister has had a huge effect on this world, and I want to make sure no one forgets her name,” Meg said.

“Dolly needs to be remembered for bringing kindness into this world.”

As part of her role, Meg said she wanted to be a spokesperson for young people and for Do it for Dolly Day, the major event held each year by the foundation to raise funds and awareness.

“I’m ready to stand up publicly and say no more, no more bullying,” she said.

“Dolly wrote: ‘Speak up even if your voice shakes’.

“I truly believe this is important.”

While nothing will ever bring Dolly back, the Everett family are determined to do all they can to prevent other families suffering similar tragedies.

The foundation has gone from strength to strength and this year they launched a help line which they hope will make a critical difference for people struggling with their mental health.

Dolly’s big sister Meg Everett on her family property outside Katherine. Photo Lachie Millard

The Dolly’s Dream Support Line, launched in June, offers accessible bullying and mental health support for prevention and early intervention in rural areas where support for children, teens and adults is not as readily available.

Mrs Everett said the help line was an exciting step forward for Dolly’s Dream.

“It has been a mix with the types of calls we get,” she said.

“There are a lot of teenagers calling but there’s quite a few parents that are worried about their children or trying to work through a situation and wanting some advice.”

They are overwhelmed by how much Dolly’s story resonates with others and they have no plans of slowing down with plans to expand the charity and its messaging.

“We will still be maintaining a strong focus on the education and online safety and promoting the kindness aspect,” Mrs Everett said.

“But this year there will also be a bigger focus on mental health and we’ll introduce new programs with that as the focus.”

Kate and Tick Everett with their oldest daughter Meg and their horses at home on the family property near Katherine. Photo Lachie Millard

They acknowledged that the challenges facing young people had continued to grow, including with the pandemic in which kids were spending more time online.

“The uncertainty of the last two years has probably impacted everyone’s mental health,” Mrs Everett said.

“That filters down to the children.”

It has also meant more isolation for rural families and children who have been separated by Covid-19 restrictions.

“In areas like ours, there’s been a lot of struggles with kids at boarding school not being able to come home for holidays, some families have been separated all year,” Mr Everett said.

“It’s been a hell of a tough year in that regard.”

Mr Everett said the family would spend Monday together and have a private celebration of Dolly’s life.

“It never gets any easier in a sense but from day to day you learn how to cope better,” Mr Everett said.

“And need to take the good out of a bad situation and the good is what Dolly’s Dream has created and the help it’s provided and we try to focus on that.”

Mrs Everett said no amount of time made Dolly’s loss easier.

“I think the idea that the grief diminishes over the years, I don’t think it does,” she said.

“I think we grow around it really.”

Originally published as Dolly’s Dream foundation dedicated to stamping out bullying and giving a voice to those in need