A group of former Australia’s Next Top Model contestants attended Charlotte Dawson’s memorial to farewell the woman who was a friend and mentor.
Madeline Huett and Simone Holtznagel, who were especially close to the former ANTM judge, arrived early and slipped in a side door while other guests queued outside in the rain.
Among those lining up before the former TV star’s service at Sydney’s Beresford Hotel were Top Model winners Melissa Juratowitch and Tahnee Atkinson.
Tearful goodbye: Simone Holtznagel was one of
the first guests to arrive at Charlotte Dawson's memorial at the
Beresford Hotel in Sydney
Sombre occasion: The TV star, who died last
week, called Holtznagel an 'adopted daughter'. Australia's Next Top
Model winner Melissa Juratowitch and fellow contestant Ashley Pogmore
lined up outside before the memorial began
The TV star was found dead at the age of 47 in her Woolloomooloo home last weekend.
Models Ashley Pogmore, Madeline Cowe and Shannon Richardson also attended the memorial.
Other ANTM alumni Lola Van Vorst, Jade Collins and Taylah Roberts arrived to the ceremony fashionably late.
Sad day: ANTM winner Tahnee Atkinson stuck to
the theme of 'BRIGHT... To remember Charlotte's colourful spirit' by
dressing in a blue and purple patterned top
Mourning models: Madeline Cowe (pictured left)
and Shannon Richardson (pictured right) from last season's ANTM paid
tribute to the show's former judge
Downcast: Former Top Models Jade Collins, Taylah Roberts and Lola Van Vorst - pictured leaving the memorial - arrived late
The ANTM contestants joined the show’s former host Sarah Murdoch and a number of Dawson's famous friends to say goodbye during an emotional memorial service.
Friend and Top Model judge Alex Perry gave a touching speech, telling guests: 'There was a beautiful fragile girl underneath that wanted to be loved.'
Other ANTM personalities including judge Didier Cohen, photographer Jez Smith and mentor Josh Flinn looked sombre as they arrived at the venue in Surry Hills.
Pretty in pink: Dawson's former colleague Sarah Murdoch wore hot pink heels, in line with the 'bright' theme of the event
Touching tribute: Friend Alex Perry gave a moving speech and talked of Charlotte's nurturing personality and fierce loyalty
Huett, who referred to Dawson as her ‘Sydney mum’, is reported to have accompanied police to identify the body of Charlotte Dawson at the TV star's Sydney apartment.
Dawson was a close mentor to Huett and Holtznagel, describing them as her ‘adopted daughters’ and allowing the girls - who are not from Sydney - to stay in her apartment when in town.
Huett's mother said her daughter had been 'very close to' Dawson.
Farewell: ANTM judge Didier Cohen was also in attendance
'She called her, her Sydney mother. She's strugglling. She'll be alright [but] they just became very good friends after the show.
'[Dawson's death] is very affecting. It's very affecting for a lot of people.
'I just think [Dawson] had depression and it's a serious issue.
'[Maddy] is trying to cope, coping with the awful news. It's just a sad period in her life.'
'Sydney mum': Madeline Huett reportedly identified Dawson's body in her harbourside apartment
Holtznagel posted a tribute to Dawson on her Instagram site after learning of her death.
'To my darling mentor, 2nd mum and my best friend. I have a Dawso size hole in my heart that’s never going to be filled,' she wrote.
'I’m, trying to find solace in the fact you’re exactly where you want to be, even though I desperately wish you weren’t.’
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