“Whatever she did, she did properly,” Mr Murphy said.

The 18-year-old was laid to rest in a coffin that had the words “don’t just do it, do it well” written on it.

Miss Murphy’s life was tragically cut short when when died in a road accident in Maude earlier this month.

A seven foot stainless steel koala now stands at the spot in her honour.

Miss Murphy’s nickname was Koala, because she was a “good climber”, according to Mr Murphy.

The girl with an infectious smile that lit up any room lived life to the full.

“She was into everything,” Mr Murphy said.

“She never had an enemy in the world.”

Miss Murphy loved riding motorbikes, water skiing and adored her pet cats. She was studying to become an electrician after graduating from St Francis College in Leeton.

Mr Murphy said Miss Murphy’s mother Anne, her brother Thomas, 22, and sister Therese, 21, were struggling to come to terms with the loss.

He said the outpouring of love from the Leeton and Hay communities had been overwhelming.

“They’re all fantastic,” Mr Murphy said.

“About 700 kids turned up at the funeral.”

Miss Murphy had just returned from a trip to Europe with her mother.

The trip is full of memories that her mother will cherish forever.

Miss Murphy’s sister Therese said everyone knew Jess for her sparkling personality, her unbreakable smile and her tye die shirts.

Jess garnered the nickname “Koala” at the age of six for her unusual climbing ability and her loving, compassionate personality.

“We were looking at a gigantic climbing wall and she looked at us and challenged one of us to race her in the climb,” Miss Murphy said.

She said her sister was an inspiration because of her enthusiasm, drive and positivity. 

“She always made sure everybody was happy – she always used to cook at home and bring it to school and share her food with everybody so nobody got too hungry,” Miss Murphy said.

“Everybody wanted to be friends with her from all different groups and backgrounds."

She will be sadly missed by her Leeton Dianas teammates and fellow students from St Francis College.

“I will always love you and never forget you,” one friend wrote on Facebook after her death.