A community came together for an emotional farewell of one of their own, as members of the Coleambally community said goodbye to 20-year-old Ella Painting.
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Miss Painting tragically lost her life in a car accident on March 1 at Boree Creek.
Her funeral held at St. Peters Church on Wednesday.
Mourners filled out the church and a large section of the church's outdoor area to pay tribute to Miss Painting, who was remembered for her caring nature, willingness to educate and love of her family.
Miss Painting was interred at Coleambally cemetery, carried down a path surrounded by a guard of honour made up of members of the Coleambally Football and Netball Club before family and friends said their final goodbye, releasing a set of pink balloons into the sky to the music of Passenger's Let Her Go to honour her memory.
Coleambally Football and Netball Club president Shane Mannes said during his eulogy Miss Painting was someone who put those she cared about first and made everyone feel special.
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"A source of great pride for [her father] Matthew was when they were out in social settings and one of Ella's students or players would approach her," Mr Mannes said.
"Ella would drop everything and engage with them like nothing else mattered, even if their meal was getting cold or if the family had to wait.
"Her contribution to our community and her ability to enrich all of our lives at such a young age is something to behold and a great credit to a beautiful family."
Miss Painting was a proud staff member at the Coleambally Preschool and a regular at the town's Brolga Hotel, but she had planned to begin studies at Charles Sturt University to gain a degree in education after completing a diploma at Griffith TAFE.
Mr Mannes said Miss Painting was about to enter the most exciting part of her life - with her looking forward to moving onto the Charles Sturt University campus and making new friends - and her friends and co-workers in the town were also excited for her future.
"When Ella informed her preschool colleagues that she was thinking of going to university to study teaching they were extremely proud and excited," Mr Mannes said.
Coleambally Football and Netball Club committee member Danny Graham said during his eulogy Ms Painting had a "love affair" with netball, taking up a position coaching younger players during her time at the club, while also aiming for a national umpiring badge.
"Ella was renowned for her have a go attitude on the netball court and the girls could never remember her giving up on the court," Mr Graham said.
Ella also held a high regard for her family, often organising catch-ups with her cousins and extended family and ensuring they all stayed in touch.
