Friends gather to remember Charlotte

Friends and family of Charlotte Dawson are gathering in Sydney for a memorial service for the model and TV personality.

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Among the guests were Sarah Murdoch, Megan Gale and Alex Perry, all good friends of Dawson.

Richard Wilkins gave a touching opening address at the ceremony, held at the Beresfold Hotel in Surry Hills.

"I wish we weren't here today...but here we all are on the last day of summer clinging together for support," he said.

Her sister Vicky placed an urn containing Charlotte's ashes on the lectern during her speech.

"I am just going to put her here so she can see everybody," she said.

Dawson was found dead in her Sydney apartment last Saturday.

The New Zealand-born 47-year-old had a history of depression and had been both a victim of and campaigner against online bullying.

The service has been described as a "celebration" and guests have been asked to wear bright colours "to remember Charlotte's colourful spirit".