Aunty Faye Lynam, the indomitable spirit of the Greater Shepparton community, passed away on May 12.
The Koori elder, who was loved as much for her compassion as she was revered for her leadership, left behind a legacy that will continue to resonate through the heart and soul of the community she held dear.
Born on June 18, 1950, in Swan Hill to Edgar Cooper and Kathleen Colgar, Aunty Faye was the third eldest in a large family, growing up around Tocumwal.
Her early years were shaped by the simple joys of family bonding over fishing trips and fireside chats.
Sharing her story: Aunty Faye Lynam delivering a moving speech at a Sorry Day ceremony at Monash Park in 2021.
Photo by
Rodney Braithwaite
However, life took a sharp turn when she was taken from her family at the tender age of eight.
The scar left from this separation was deep, but it also steeled her for the life she was to embrace as a foster carer, a role she took on with unparalleled love and courage, ensuring no child in her care experienced the same pain she did.
Aunty Faye found joy in being a mother, a friend, a community leader and an advocate.
To the community, she was ‘Lovey’, a reflection of the abundant love she shared, and to her family, she was ‘Pinluck’, a nickname born from her quirk of picking pins up off the floor, believing they would bring good luck.
After reuniting with her family at the age of 16, Aunty Faye began her own family, marked by loss, love, and resilience.
First love: Aunty Faye Lynam and Uncle Greg Ralph.
From her first love, Uncle Greg Ralph, she had Valma, Jenny, Raymond and Stacey.
Her marriage to John Lynam (Uncle Bluey) welcomed her son Trent, and her life was further enriched by the nieces and nephews she adopted along the way.
Though Aunty Faye and Uncle Bluey’s marriage eventually ended, their friendship endured.
In a twist of fate, Aunty Faye and Uncle Greg found their paths crossing once again, reigniting the flame of their romance.
As a foster carer, Aunty Faye embraced over 40 children, offering them love, support and a chance for a better life.
Family first: Aunty Faye Lynam (right) with one of her granddaughters, Jaella Lynam.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Her life was a testament to her belief that no child should feel unwanted, and it was a belief she carried into her career.
From being a youth worker in Winlaton to serving as a Koori educator and a cultural advisor, she invested her heart and soul into serving her community.
Aunty Faye was also an avid supporter of the Essendon Football Club, a passionate fisher, and in her youth, an occasional basketball player.
She was an energetic spirit who carried the zest for life into her mature years, never failing to voice her opinions or share her love.
Her story, as well as her dedication to helping others tell theirs, made her a lighthouse in the lives of many.
Her funeral on June 1 at Riverlinks Eastbank in Shepparton saw a vast gathering of family, friends and community leaders, a testament to the numerous lives she touched and the many hearts she won.
Welcome: Aunty Faye Lynam delivering the Welcome to Country to officially open the Proud and Deadly Awards Ceremony.
Photo by
Mattie s Photography Down Under
The essence of Aunty Faye cannot be captured in words alone, for she was more than the sum of her roles.
She was a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience, and a source of boundless love.
In her passing, Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley has indeed lost a figure of strength and love.
But the legacy of Aunty Faye will continue to inspire and guide, echoing in the stories shared and in the love passed from one generation to the next.
As the region mourns her passing, it also celebrates her life — one of courage, dedication and boundless love.
Vale Aunty Faye Lynam, your spirit will forever live in our hearts