Online bullying suicide tragedy stuns Australia: Girl, 14, who appeared in advert for iconic hat firm takes her own life after being 'overwhelmed' by abuse on social media (10 Pics)

A 14-year-old girl who was once the star of adverts for the iconic Australian outback hat firm Akubra has killed herself after being hounded by online bullies.

In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Amy "Dolly" Everett's dad said people needed to more aware of the heartache bullying can cause as he invited the bullies who hounded his daughter to her funeral.

Dolly's dad, Tick Everett, didn't give any details of the harrowing experiences that had tortured his daughter but said she had wanted to "escape the evil in this world".

The Everett family in happier times - Dolly is far right, pictured with her sister Meg, mother Kate and father Tick

Hat company Akubra also expressed its condolences, issuing a call for all to "stand up" against any kind of bullying.

Mr Everett said that he hoped Dolly's death last week might "help other precious lives from being lost".

He challenged the bullies who had taken his daughter from him to come to her to her funeral, saying: "If by some chance the people who thought this was a joke and made themselves feel superior by the constant bullying and harassment see this post, please come to our service and witness the complete devastation you have created."

Tick invited the young girl's bullies to her funeral on Friday so they can see the 'devastation' caused by Dolly's death

Akubra Hats posted a tribute to the young girl on their own Facebook Page - calling for an end to bullying 

Her parents want to raise awareness about bullying after the young girl 'took her own life' to escape cruel taunts

On Wednesday, the family released a statement saying their daughter was "the kindest, caring, beautiful soul".

"She was always caring for animals, small children, other children at boarding school who were less fortunate than herself."

The family shared a drawing by Dolly showing featuring the words: "Speak even if your voice shakes."

"This powerful message tells the dark, scary place our beautiful angel had travelled to," her family said.

According to Australian broadcaster ABC, the family also said they wanted to establish a trust to raise awareness of bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide.

The wide-brimmed rabbit-fur Akubra hat is one of Australia's most recognisable companies and has become associated with rural outback life.

An 8-year-old Dolly starred in a well-known ad campaign for the brand.

"Bullying of any type is unacceptable," the company wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

"It is up to us to stand up when we see any kind of bullying behaviour. Dolly could be anyone's daughter, sister, friend."

It urged readers: "Be a friend, check up on your mates."

There are no official statistics on suicides due to bullying. While national suicide rates in Australia are declining, the number of people between 15 and 24 taking their own life has seen a rise in recent years.