Donations to Hillcrest families slowed by ‘complex legal issues’, AFL game locked in at Devonport

Details of the Hillcrest Community Public Fund have been released following concerns that affected families still haven’t received any of the donations. WHY IT’S TAKING SO LONG >>

A fact sheet detailing the Hillcrest Community Public Fund has been released after concerns from the community.

The GoFundMe for the Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy which killed six children and injured three others will be donated in its entirety to the families of the nine children, Devonport mayor Annette Rockliff said.

“The release of the GoFundMe money has taken much longer than anticipated and is being delayed by some very complex legal issues which are being managed by the state government and legal representatives of the Funds initiator, to ensure all the money is distributed fairly to the families impacted,” she said.

“We understand the community is worried that the money raised hasn’t yet gone to the families, but it will, and this is not negotiable.”

Hillcrest Memorial

The state established the fund following consultation with MyState Bank and Devonport City Council, with more money anticipated to be injected into the pool.

“Money raised as part of the AFL Tribute Match between Hawthorn and Richmond to be played in Devonport on (March 5) will be added to the Hillcrest Community Public Fund,” Ms Rockliff said.

“The Hillcrest Community Public Fund Distribution Committee will decide how these funds are distributed fairly and equitably and where they are needed to best support the community.”

Ms Rockliff said none of the money would fund the council or state governments.

To view the funding fact sheet, visit devonport.tas.gov.au

AFL to host Hillcrest tribute match in Tassie

NORTH-West Coast product Brendon Gale helped rebuild the Richmond Football Club, now he has spoken about his pride in his Tigers playing a small part in helping mend his home community in the wake of the Hillcrest Primary School tragedy.

It has been confirmed Devonport Oval will play host to an AFL practice game between Hawthorn and Richmond at 1.10pm on March 5, with players from both clubs and North Melbourne taking clinics as well as a number of other functions in the region.

All funds raised from the tribute match and activity surrounding the game will go directly to the Hillcrest Community Public Fund following the death of six children in a jumping castle accident on the last day of school last year.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Jack Riewoldt of the Tigers stands for the national anthem during the AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Gale, who was born and raised in nearby Burnie, said it was special to be a small part of the healing process.

“We are really proud and privileged to have the opportunity to come back,” Gale told the Mercury.

“I’ve got a connection with the state obviously and the North-West and Matthew Richardson, perhaps one of our greatest players comes from Devonport, so we jumped at the opportunity to play the game came.

“Both clubs want to really give the Devonport community something to feel really good about, bring the community together, they don’t get a lot of AFL football up there live so hopefully we can raise some dollars as it is a privilege to have the opportunity to help that community and provide some assistance.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale and AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan. Pic: Michael Klein

“And from a selfish point of view I’m proud to showcase the club I work at. I’m very proud of the Richmond Footy Club, I’m very proud to bring them back to the Coast.”

After the match, Tasmanian band Luca Brasi will perform followed by interviews with Hawthorn and Richmond players and other special guests.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said it was important for the game to play a role in supporting those impacted in the Tasmanian community.

“On behalf of the AFL, our thoughts are to those impacted by the terrible accident, including the families, first responders, the school community, and the close-knit North-West community of Tasmania,” Mr McLachlan said.

“A fundraiser and a game of football cannot change what has happened, but it is one way for our game to wrap our arms around the North-West community and show our support.”

A Department of Justice spokesperson said WorkSafe Tasmania was working closely with the Coroners Office and Tasmania Police on the ongoing investigation into the tragedy.

Fans will be able to purchase tickets on TicketMaster tomorrow.

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Originally published as Donations to Hillcrest families slowed by ‘complex legal issues’, AFL game locked in at Devonport