Cooper Onyett: Community demands funeral exemption for drowning victim

A regional Victorian community has implored the state government “do the right thing” and grant an exemption for the funeral of an 8-year-old boy who drowned.

Eight-year-old Cooper Onyett’s funeral will be held on Friday morning.

Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell has implored the Victorian Government to “do the right thing” and grant an exemption for the funeral of Cooper Onyett.

The 8-year-old boy drowned at Belfast Aquatics in Port Fairy just before 11am on Friday May 21 while on a camp with Merrivale Primary School’s grade 2 class.

Cooper’s funeral is due to be held in the Wannon Rooms in Warrnambool on Friday morning, however the government on Thursday announced funerals would be restricted to a maximum of 10 people as part of the imminent stage three lockdown across Victoria.

Ms Britnell said she spoke to Cooper’s mother Skye Meinen on Thursday morning and passed on the importance of an exemption being granted.

“Skye said to me that she’s been strong, but this would break her,” Ms Britnell said.

“It’s heartbreaking. I’ve been in touch with ministers and I’d be very, very disappointed if they don’t take into consideration the needs of this family.

“This little boy needs to be grieved by his friends and the family needs to have as many family and friends around them as possible.

“They are prepared to have the funeral outside if needed, wear masks, do the 1.5m social distancing.”

Acting Premier James Merlino addressed the situation during Thursday’s press conference announcing the lockdown.

“This is a particularly tragic case. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, giving your kid a kiss, they’re excited to go off to camp and then we have this tragic incident,” Mr Merlino said.

“We’ve got the settings in terms of funerals which is a maximum of 10 (people). But I’ve had a discussion with Professor Sutton (and) I’ll ask the public health team to get in touch with the mum.

“That will be a decision of public health as is absolutely appropriate but we do have extenuating circumstances so I’ve asked the public health team to speak with the mum.”