In memory of Lindy Farrant
The Parkes community has mourned the loss of Lindy Farrant, the first and long-serving director of Parkes Early Childhood Centre.
Farrant was a strong IEU member and advocate, and an inspiration to early childhood education, not just in the Parkes community but within the region and the state.
Lindy has always been a strong advocate for the work of the IEU. Her work reflected her strong belief in the importance of early childhood education lead by qualified teachers.
Lindy Farrant’s life and legacy has been celebrated in The Parkes Champion Post.
An unprecedented farewell during an unprecedented time for an extraordinary woman.
The Parkes community is in mourning following the loss of Lindy Farrant, who not only nurtured and inspired generations of young minds but parents, colleagues and friends in Parkes and around the state.
Lindy passed away in the early hours of Friday, September 25 with her family by her side following her battle with cancer, aged 64.
Colour filled Orange Street on Thursday at 11am when members of the community - dressed in their brightest, colourful outfits - stood together to form a rainbow guard of honour for Lindy.
Best known as the first and long-serving director of Parkes Early Childhood Centre (PECC), Lindy was greatly respected and admired, as shown by those who stood in Orange Street and those who shared their messages of love on social media.
Her partner, Cr Bill Jayet said "Hannah, Drew and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love extended to us from not only the wonderful Parkes Shire community but from far and wide".
"The over-riding message that has come through loud and clear is the impact Lindy had on the lives of so many families during her more than three decades' devotion to the early childhood sector."
Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM had worked closely with Lindy during her time at PECC, especially in its early days of establishment and expansion.
He said her legacy will live on for decades to come.
"Lindy's been involved with preschool education for most of her life in Parkes. She's left a lasting legacy in the way children are taught in our community and the type of people they become, and it will last for decades into the future," the mayor said on Thursday.
"She's a huge inspiration to early childhood education, not just in the Parkes community but within the region and the state.
"It's been a wonderful opportunity for me to work with Lindy in the preschool and the early childhood centre, and getting that new establishment happening in such a productive way.
"Today was a reflection of the esteem in which Lindy is held by the Parkes community and it's just lovely to see so many people come out in the colourful outfits to pay their respects to one of the best early childhood educators in Australia."
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