Tributes from across the Evandale community have flowed after the passing of local icon and Penny Farthing Racing royalty Di Sullivan OAM.
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Ms Sullivan lost her life last week after a battle with cancer.
There was not much, if anything, Ms Sullivan would not do for Evandale and in 2013 she received the highest recognition for that commitment - an Order of Australia medal.
If Evandale needed Ms Sullivan, she was typically there to help out.
In her lifetime she supported many community organisations in the region including the community centre, history society and Meals on Wheels, but it was her passion for the Penny Farthing Championships that many knew her for.
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Ms Sullivan became involved with the Evandale Village Fair and National Penny Farthing Championships in 1983 and pledged herself to growing the event in the community.
She soon became the driving force behind the event and maintained her status as the Penny Farthing Queen for 36 years before handing over the reigns after the 2019 event and her diagnosis of cancer.
Starting as a committee member, Ms Sullivan progressed to secretary and eventually wound up leading the show.
The event started out as an intimate affair with only 20 competitors and, under her direction, grew to be the largest annual penny farthing race event in the world.
Evandale Village Fair committee representative Jeff McClintock said what she contributed to Evandale was unprecedented.
"What the event has done for Evandale over the years is mind blowing," he said.
"It was her thing. She was just really passionate and really personable.
"The amazing thing about her and the way she ran the event was that she knew all the riders personally.
"She was loved by everyone ... She made such an incredible contribution to the life of Evandale."
But Mr McClintock said above all else Ms Sullivan was just an amazing person across the board - to which many of those who knew her could attest.
Labor Lyons MHR Brian Mitchell knew Ms Sullivan and said he was emotional when he learnt of her passing.
"She was just a wonderful woman. A wonderful, wonderful woman," he said.
"She was a truly beautiful person and did a lot for the Evandale community.
"Her loss is very keenly felt."
Northern Midlands mayor Mary Knowles OAM said, "Di Sullivan was the most passionate community minded person I have had the pleasure to know."
"Her fierce determination enabled the Penny Farthing Festival to grow to the world renowned festival we see today.
"She has left Evandale with a lasting and enduring legacy and I honour her for this. Di will be very sadly missed. My sincere condolences to all her family and friends and to the Evandale community."
Ms Sullivan's funeral will be held at the Franklin Grove Centre in Kings Meadows on Tuesday December 8 at 2:30pm. Donations to the W.P Holman cancer clinic are welcomed.
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