THE Mansfield and wider community are in mourning following the death of former local, Siân Scale last week.

The 28-year-old had been battling a rare cancer and passed away at Peter MacCallum Hospital surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Following her education in the Mansfield community and employment at local cafes, Siân commenced a nursing degree but soon graduated to the world of fashion modelling.

After working in Australia, she commenced her international career for Marc Jacobs at the prestigious New York fashion festival.

A statement from Siân’s modelling agency, Chadwick Models described her as “likeable and easy-going” and said the model’s generous spirit and natural beauty made her “a model to watch”.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our beautiful model Siân Scale,” the statement said.

“Siân was a bright and unique light in our world, who unapologetically marched to her own beat.

"We will all miss her more than words can express, and her incredible work in pictures will immortalise her forever.

"She was always willing to try something new and did things on her own terms.”

Tributes have been pouring in all week for Siân with stylists, photographers and designers all reaching out.

Siân was equally at home on her family farm, in nature or at home in the garden or kitchen, as she was on the runway.

Her family recalled how they once drove her from a camping trip straight to the catwalk for one of her many appearances at the Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Her family said Siân never complained during her cancer journey over the past year and inspired all those around her.

“Siân was very generous, loving, kind, fun, adventurous and modest," they said.

"She was determined and strong and had such grace in navigating the most difficult year of her life with such acceptance, optimism and vulnerability.”

Her family said Siân was a keen advocate for social and gender equity issues and assumed the role of a mentor to many of her friends and younger models.

Becoming the beneficiary of many blood transfusions during her cancer journey, Siân’s final wish was for people to give blood.

“If anyone wants to do anything in memory of me, it is to give blood – it is the gift of life," said Siân.

Siân leaves behind a legacy of love for her family and friends.

She will be sadly missed by her parents Maureen and Grant and two brothers Liam and Arran, and her many friends and work colleagues.

The Scale family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the exceptional care and support that Siân received at Peter McCallum Hospital and by Melbourne City Mission and the support of family and friends during this difficult time.