Dreamworld inquest: Harrowing sequel for grieving families

IT WAS one of the coldest days in Gold Coast history – and also one of the darkest. More than 18 months after the Dreamworld tragedy, family members of the victims, still trying to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, arrived for as the inquest into the tragedy began.

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IT WAS one of the coldest days in Gold Coast history – and also one of the darkest.

More than 18 months after the Dreamworld tragedy that rocked the Gold Coast to the core came the harrowing sequel, a courtroom drama with more than a dozen lawyers in dark suits representing almost a dozen individuals, groups and organisations.

The greys and blacks were fitting for such an occasion.

Family members of the victims, still trying to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, arrived in dribs and drabs, taking up the few seats in the public gallery not occupied by lawyers, clerks and legal associates. So intense has the media interest been in the case, a separate courtroom was reserved for journalists, who watched the proceedings on television screens.

David Turner, the husband of Kate Goodchild, arrives at the inquest. Picture: AAP Image/Glenn Hunt

David Turner, who lost his partner Kate Goodchild, the love of his life – his high school sweetheart – in the tragedy, sat in the front row of the gallery with relatives of the victims, including Kate’s father Shayne.

As the inquest turned to forensic talk, the time it took for the ride to stop, the size of the gap between planks on the conveyor belt, he put his head in his hands. A relative nestled her head on his shoulder in support.

Kim Dorsett, the mother of Kate Goodchild and Luke Dorsett, enters the inquest into the Dreamworld deaths. Picture: AAP Image/Glenn Hunt

Kim Dorsett, who lost both her daughter and son, also watched on, while Mathew Low, whose wife Cindy died on the ride, was also in the courtroom supported by family members.

Counsel assisting the coroner Ken Fleming went to pains to tell the court the inquest was not a witch-hunt searching for scapegoats, but an inquiry searching for answers. Answers families have been waiting more than 18 months to hear. After the opening day of the inquest, those answers may now be a little closer.