Canberra teenager Lachlan Andrews has been described as "the best brother anyone could ask for" by those closest to him following his death from stab wounds inflicted during a brawl in Casino, New South Wales.
The 17-year-old had been working as a labourer on flood-affected homes in northern NSW and Queensland when he died.
NSW Police said the brawl broke out outside a fast-food restaurant on Sunday about 5:10pm and officers who were called to the scene found two young people with stab wounds.
The second injured man, an 18-year-old, was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment and was in a stable condition on Monday.
Lachlan died at the scene.
Later that evening, a 17-year-old was found at another address in Casino and was arrested over the stabbing.
He has been charged with murder, reckless wounding and affray and was refused bail.
'He supported me': Family speaks of loss
Back in Canberra, Lachlan's family have been left shattered and shocked by his death.
His sister Hayleigh was closest in age to him and called him her "sidekick".
"We grew up like twins," Hayleigh said.
"All my life he's been there, supported me. He played dolls with me.
The 18-year-old said her brother was also adored by his young nieces who called him "Uncle Wocky."
"[His nieces] were talking to him on the same day he left us," she said.
His other sister Paige, 23, said she could barely fathom that Lachlan's life had been cut so short.
Lachlan was due to turn 18 this month.
She said she would miss his "big smile and ugly mullet" and her most cherished memories with her brother were the times they went fishing together.
Paige said Lachlan had also left behind a pregnant girlfriend, and said that while he was not the father of the baby, he had planned to help raise it.
Hayleigh and Paige have prepared to have Lachlan's body returned to the ACT.
