Hunter Valley bus crash victim Nick Dinakis tells of pain of losing his ‘forever love’ Darcy Bulman

Almost one year after a horror bus crash in the Hunter Valley claimed the life of his “best friend and forever love”, Nick Dinakis has spoken for the first time about surviving without her, saying “life will never be the same”.

The partner of a Victorian woman killed in the catastrophic Hunter Valley bus crash has spoken for the first time about losing his “forever love”.

Nick Dinakis, 30, and his girlfriend Darcy Bulman, 30, were on a wedding bus travelling from Wandin Valley Estate to Singleton when it crashed while overturning on a roundabout in New South Wales.

Ms Bulman was one of 10 people tragically killed, leaving Mr Dinakis and 25 other wedding guests injured on June 11 last year.

Mr Dinakis was rushed to hospital sustaining brain injuries, spinal fractures and lacerations.

Nick Dinakis and Darcy Bulman were on a wedding bus travelling from Wandin Valley Estate to Singleton when it crashed.

Almost a year on from the deadly crash, the real estate agent told the Herald Sun a future without his girlfriend made him “feel sick”.

“Darcy was and always will be my best friend and my forever love,” he said.

“She was one of the most bubbly and energetic people I have ever met.

“I miss her dearly and the thought of a future without her makes me feel sick.”

Mr Dinakis said the pair had instant chemistry when they met at Warrandyte High School.

“We met at high school and I immediately knew she was my person,” he said.

“She had the biggest smile and the most infectious laugh. A laugh that I can still hear today. “She was warm, smart, loyal and just made everyone she ever met feel so happy.”

Ms Bulman worked as an investigator for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission before she tragically died.

Darcy Bulman had worked as an investigator for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

“Darcy always had big plans and worked hard to achieve them, but she was selfless too, always encouraging others to chase their dreams,” he said.

“She celebrated their wins more than her own and without any jealousy.”

Mr Dinakis said his girlfriend’s “great loves” included her dog Tilly, the Mornington Peninsula and hanging out with friends.

“Darcy lifted the energy of any room she walked into and the world is a sadder place without her,” he said.

“Although our plans for our future were cut tragically short. Darcy gave me so much to be grateful for in our time together.”

Darcy has been remembered as ‘bubbly, energetic’ and ‘selfless’.

In honour of Ms Bulman, a commemorative garden along the Yarra River in Warrandyte will be created by Manningham Council.

“We hope that this garden and its bright wild flowers can be a constant reminder of Darcy and all the joy she brought into this world in her 30 years,” Mr Dinakis said.

Mr Dinakis said he was still recovering from the serious injuries he sustained in the crash.

“I am working through intense rehab … my goal is to move forward with life and carry all the great values Darcy taught me.

“It’s a long road and life will never be the same.”

Nick survived the Hunter Valley bus crash in which Darcy was killed. Picture: Supplied

This week, bus driver Brett Andrew Button, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and nine counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

He also pleaded guilty to 16 related offences of driving furiously and causing bodily harm to survivors.

The court heard 10 charges of manslaughter were withdrawn and dismissed.

A further 25 charges of bodily harm by misconduct were also dropped.

Mr Dinakis said he was relieved about the plea deal despite the charges being downgraded.

“I’m extremely pleased with the result of the guilty plea from the bus driver,” he said.

“I cannot thank the DPP enough for all their hard work.

“I understand this isn’t a situation that can appease everyone but it allows myself and the other victims to try and move forward with life.”