Grieving Ipswich family launches petition to cage David Trumpy Bridge

After losing their beloved uncle and brother to suicide, a grieving family is calling on the state government to fund the installation of barriers along Ipswich’s infamous David Trumpy Bridge.

A family grieving the loss of their seemingly happy, fun-loving uncle and brother is fighting for improved safety measures at a prominent Ipswich bridge to prevent others from experiencing the devastation they now face as a result of his senseless death.

Tiffany Hack grew up surrounded by love and people, with five aunts and uncles on her mother’s side alone. But she was particularly close with one uncle, the youngest of six, Ronald (Ron) Van Duin.

Tiffany Hack and her uncle Ron were very close. Picture: Supplied

“I was the annoying niece. I used to try and get into his room and annoy him,” she said.

Ms Hack and her uncle became “very close” with time and age, as they lived near each other, had similar interests, and thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company.

“We used to go out and have a drink, have a good time,” she said.

“He used to come with me to car meets. We enjoyed the car scene.”

Ms Hack described her uncle as being "super happy, placid, chilled out". Picture: Supplied

Ms Hack said her uncle had long suffered mental ill health and was diagnosed with both depression and schizophrenia when he was in his early 20s, though he had always seemed in high spirits among family.

The news of his passing in January 2020 came as a “complete shock” to all who knew and loved him. He died aged just 40.

“I think it hit mum quite hard,” Ms Hack said.

“She’s never had to grieve from losing someone so close to her.

“It’s like a part of mum was gone for a while before she came back.”

Ronald Van Duin was the youngest of six siblings. Picture: Supplied

She said she believed her uncle would still be with her family had suicide prevention barriers existed at David Trumpy Bridge.

She said only two weeks ago the issue was brought top of mind again.

“That’s when I decided ‘that’s it, something needs to be done’.”

Ms Hack started a change.org petition calling for the bridge to be caged, stating “too many lives have been taken” and she has “had enough”.

“This is upsetting and very triggering for those who have had to suffer from a loss of a loved one,” she wrote in the petition.

Ronald Van Duin and his sister Celestine on Christmas in 2019. Picture: Supplied

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said investigations to “identify any treatments or actions required” at the bridge were ongoing.

“We acknowledge the community concerns raised about the David Trumpy Bridge,” he said.

“As many bridges over state-controlled roads have regular pedestrian fences, it is advised people seen throwing objects from the David Trumpy Bridge, or acting suspiciously on or near the bridge, should be reported to Policelink on 131 444.”

The department is “regularly meeting” with Queensland police and Ipswich City Council to discuss issues at the bridge.

Ronald Van Duin (right) with his niece Lisa. Picture: Supplied

Just last year, Ipswich Division 3 councillors Marnie Doyle and Andrew Fechner wrote to Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard and Ipswich West MP Jim Madden, seeking their support in advocating for a formal TMR risk assessment of the bridge and consideration of anti-throw screen installation.

An Ipswich council spokesman said both Ms Howard and Mr Madden confirmed the councillors’ correspondence had been received and passed on to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, yet neither Cr Doyle nor Cr Fechner ever received a formal response.

“This issue has been a concern to council and the community for many years and we have contacted the government in an attempt to get something done on a state-controlled road and bridge, given this, I am extremely disappointed that it hasn’t been addressed and funding allocated before now,” Cr Doyle said.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the council “would expect the state government to seriously consider the petitioner’s requests”.

Ms Hack said "no one would know what he'd be going through or battling". Picture: Supplied

Ms Hack said she hoped her petition, which had been signed by more than 190 people in two weeks, helped improve local support for people suffering mental ill health.

A Lifeline Queensland spokeswoman emphasised anyone struggling with their emotional wellbeing is not alone.

“Lifeline is available to anyone who needs it, any time of day or night,” she said.

“Reaching out and being connected to one of our compassionate, trained crisis supporters can provide people with hope when they need it most.

“We’re always here to listen, on the phone 13 11 14 , by text 0477 13 11 14 and online 24/7.”