AN emotional fund-raising concert in Freo on Sunday will honour the memory of Amberly Lynch and raise awareness of youth suicide prevention.
Three years ago this week, 18-year-old Amberly sadly took her own life after a protracted battle with mental health issues.
Despite her struggles, mum Jane says there were never any signs or warning bells that it could escalate to suicide.
• (above) Emily Joy, (middle) Hulka and HDC are performing at Forever 18 Mini-Fest in Fremantle.
Jane was on the train with her two youngest children when she got the devastating phone call from her ex-husband.
“Amberly was meant to pick her dad up from a mates place and she didn’t show,” Jane says.
“She didn’t answer his calls either, so my ex-husband Todd made his way home.
“On the front door was a note saying how much she loved him, but not to come in. Tragically, Todd found Amberly and phoned me.
“This day is the worst day, etched in our minds and hearts forever.”
Funny, kind and quirky, Amberly was extremely bright but struggled with self belief.
She received treatment for years, but her inability to talk made treatment difficult.
“Selective mutism is an awful mental illness, debilitating and really cast a shadow on the care she deserved and we will never know the difference it could’ve made,” Jane says.
Amberly was passionate about music, playing the violin and flute since primary school and becoming a talented singer-songwriter on the guitar. She also loved dancing and performing.
In a tribute to her love of music, the family held a concert Forever 18 in her honour in 2024.
It was a big hit and went on to become an annual event to raise awareness around youth mental health and youth suicide prevention.
Encouraged by the success of the concert, in 2025 the family founded Amby’s Army, which was granted charitable status this week.
“We can now start applying for grants and sponsorships and hope to even hold some free family friendly events,” she says.
“We have also done the Out of The Shadows Walk for Lifeline raising around $14,000 in three walks.
“We will continue doing that walk and hope to hold more music events.”
Powerful
But right now Jane is getting ready for Forever 18 Mini-Fest at Clancy’s Fish Pub on Sunday.
The concert will feature a diverse line-up of WA talent including award-winning pop and country artist Emily Joy, powerful soul and blues performer Sgt Hulka, popular Fremantle folk-rock band Shanks Pony, and exciting electronica artist HDC.
“The night is about being together, having fun and showing support for our youth and for Amby’s Army so that we can continue on our mission,” Jane says.
“Youth Services coming along to mingle with our young people help break down the barriers of who is behind the phone call
“Being able to see that these people are so caring and want to help and are approachable is really important.”
Jane hopes locals can come down and have a good time, while supporting a worthy cause: “We do not wish this heartache on any family, and we do not wish another young person to suffer the deep pain she did, this is why we will share her story, our story and hope it can help someone be brave and talk, be brave and ask for help because they matter, their Life Matters, our Amberly mattered and she still does.”
Forever 18 Mini-Fest is at Clancy’s Fremantle, 51 Cantonment Street tomorrow (Sunday March 15) from 5pm-9pm. Tix at oztix.com.au.
If you are struggling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK