Bus crash tragedy: The NSW Government is holding a public memorial service for those who died in the Hunter Valley
“This memorial service will allow us to pay tribute to those affected by this unimaginable tragedy.” A public memorial service will be held for the victims of the horror Hunter bus crash.
Newcastle
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A public memorial service will be held next month to honour the lives of the people who tragically died in the horror bus crash in the NSW Hunter region.
Ten people died and more than 25 were injured when a bus rolled over at a roundabout on Wine Country Dr at Greta after a wedding in the Hunter Valley on June 11.
In partnership with Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council, the NSW Government will hold a public memorial service to acknowledge and bring together those who have been affected by the crash, including family and friends of loved ones whose lives were lost, those who survived, and the first responders at the scene.
“This Memorial Service will allow us to come together to grieve, support one another and pay tribute to those affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“It also provides an opportunity to recognise the courage and resilience of the frontline emergency service workers who attended the scene and treated patients in our hospitals.”
The tragedy deeply struck the tight knit country town of Singleton, where seven of the ten killed in the crash were members of the Singleton Roosters AFL club.
Husband and wife Andrew and Lynan Scott, mother and daughter Nadene and Kyah McBride, as well as Kyah’s boyfriend Kane Symons were all among the deceased from Singleton.
Tori Cowburn and Rebecca Mullen also from Singleton were among the victims.
Zachary Bray from Byron Bay, Angus Craig from Queensland and Darcy Bulman from Melbourne were also killed.
“The support that continues to be provided to our community since this tragedy has been overwhelming,” Singleton Mayor Sue Moore said.
“Many people’s lives have been affected and it’s important that we stay strong.”
Cessnock Mayor Jay Suvaal added, “So many people from our communities have been affected by this tragedy. The support shown for the families and victims of this tragedy, not just from locals but all around the nation, has been greatly appreciated.”
“A memorial will be an important step in the long healing process, and reminds our residents that they’ll never walk alone, as our community looks after one another.”
The service will be held at the Singleton Showground on Saturday October 21, at 11am.
Members of the community are encouraged to attend the service to show their support and gather in solidarity. A ticket is not required to attend, and the event will be live streamed on the NSW Government website.
Following the service, a free communal barbecue in partnership with local charitable organisations will be hosted at the showground, as an opportunity to continue providing comfort and support for all.
The Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy Fund, administered by Rotary, closed on Monday and has received overwhelming support from generous donors raising close to $1.5 million.
The NSW Government also donated $100,000 with the funds raised playing an important role in assisting those affected.
Accused of causing the fatal crash, Brett Andrew Button was allegedly behind the wheel of the bus carrying the wedding guests when it flipped.
The 58-year-old faces a total of 63 charges, including dangerous and negligent driving occasioning death, and has yet to enter any pleas. On bail, he’ll be back before the court on October 4, the date of his 59th birthday.
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