‘I’m surprised and I’m satisfied’, says victim Zach Bray’s dad Adam Bray

Steve Symons, the father of victim Kane Symons who told the court during his victim impact statement that he now felt a void that would never be filled, was succinct outside court. “It showed that they mattered,” he said.

It showed that they mattered.

An audible gasp emanated from Newcastle District Court on Wednesday as Judge Roy Ellis indicated a maximum sentence of 32 years jail for Hunter Valley bus driver Brett Button after he killed 10 people and maimed a further 25 passengers.

For months, many families of the victims — and the survivors — had lost faith in the justice system after manslaughter charges were dropped against the 59-year-old in favour of 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death.

“For so long, we have felt that the justice system had let us down but today, it has renewed our faith,” Matt Mullen, the father of victim Bec Mullen, told The Daily Telegraph.

“We feel our loved ones have been recognised, everyone who has suffered has been recognised. It is not going to bring them back but it has shown that they matter.”

Steve Symons (right), father of Hunter Valley bus crash victim Kane Symons leaving the final day of sentencing of Brett Button at Newcastle Court. Picture: NewsWire

Steve Symons, the father of victim Kane Symons who told the court during his victim impact statement that he now felt a void that would never be filled, was succinct when approached outside court.

“It showed that they mattered,” Mr Symons said.

Ameliah Bowey with her mum Leoni Bowey and Helen Arthur, who are sisters of Hunter Valley bus crash victim Nadene McBride at Newcastle Court on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire

Nadene and Kyah McBride’s sister and aunt Leoni Bowey said she did not feel any compassion for Button after the sentence came down.

“I want, at the forefront, to be these 10 beautiful souls, I want them to be the names that are more important than the offender’s,” Ms Bowey said.

Hunter Valley bus crash survivors Sharyn and Jason Junkeer leaving the final day of sentencing of Brett Button at Newcastle Court. Picture: NewsWire

“That’s pretty harsh, because I’ve always been a compassionate person, but considering the tragedy that has been caused, I don’t, at this point, have any compassion, or feel sorry for him.”

Ms Bowey’s daughter Ameliah also gave her heartfelt thanks to those who had supported the bereaved families in the wake of the tragedy.

Zac Bray's mother Jacqui Varasdi and sister Montana Bray at Newcastle Court on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire

“I want to give a huge thanks to the emergency services, the DPP, the social workers, anyone and everyone that supported my family and those of the other victims,” Miss Bowey said.

“They have been amazing at navigating this really tough time.”

Ameliah Bowey and her mum Leoni Bowey, whose sister Nadene McBride died. Picture: NewsWire/ Adam Yip

Warren Bulman, the father of victim Darcy Bulman.

Bus crash victim Zach Bray’s father, Adam Bray, who said he decided not to attend the proceedings so he could continue to heal from the loss of his son, welcomed the sentence.

“I’m happy with the outcome, I’m surprised and I’m satisfied,” Mr Bray said after watching the sentencing via audiovisual link from Jakarta.

Kay Welsh, the mother of Hunter Valley bus crash victim Tori Cowburn. Picture: NewsWire

“It is obviously a landmark decision and it was the reason why we agitated (after manslaughter charges were dropped).

“You have got to approach these things with zero expectations because the reality is, if you do not, then the trauma and anger will never dissipate.

“The entire ordeal has been crushing and harrowing enough.”

He said he decided against attending the three-day sentencing because of a “selfish” reason to continue to heal “for myself, for Zachy and for my family”.