The bride and groom have broken their silence after the wedding bus tragedy
The newlyweds whose wedding day ended in tragedy when 10 of their guest were killed in a bus crash have broken their silence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the image and name of a person who has died
Mitchell Gaffney and Madeleine Edsell have thanked the community for the “outpouring of love and support” in their first statement since the horrific bus crash that killed 10 of the wedding guests.
“While we appreciate the outpouring of love and support from the community, we ask that the media respect our privacy while we grieve,” the couple said in a statement.
“Our primary focus at this time is processing this tragedy, and supporting our family and friends, which is why we’d like to formally decline any requests for media interviews.”
Mr Gaffney’s parents have also broken their silence, posting pleas on social media for action on seatbelts on buses.
“It was a glorious occasion until news of the bus crash with ten people losing their lives came within a few hours that has shattered many lives,” John Gaffney posted on LinkedIn.
“Hopefully something positive can come out of this tragedy.
“Fifty years ago the fitting and wearing of seat belts became compulsory in Australia for all occupants of motor cars saving countless lives since.
“Whilst my wife and I can’t do this on our own we believe ultimately everyone who rides a bus should have access to a seatbelt and be compelled by laws to wear them.”
He has asked for people to lobby federal and state MPs to bring about the change.
Mr Gaffney also thanked all those who offered prayers and support.
His wife Carolyn posted a similar message on Facebook.
“So that something ‘good’ can come out of this our family would appreciate if the community would lobby the state and federal governments to ensure that seatbelts are provided in all buses and the wearing of them made compulsory,” she posted.
“We have the opportunity to change the law and the more support we have the greater the likelihood of change.
“Everyone riding on a bus should have access to a seat belt and be compelled by law to wear it.”
More than 40 people were on the bus that had left the Wandin Valley resort where they had celebrated the wedding of Mitchell Gaffney and Madeleine Edsell on Sunday June 11.
The regional football club that lost seven of its members in the crash has asked for privacy as its members continue to grieve for loved ones.
Speaking to media from the club’s home ground of Rose Point Park on Monday, Singleton Roosters AFC President, Dylan Hixon explained how the tight-knit community was recovering from the devastating incident.
The club lost several members in the crash, including Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Tori Cowburn, married couple Andrew and Lynan Scott, and mother and daughter Nadene and Kyah McBride.
“The Singleton Roosters Australian Football Club has been devastated by the tragic bus incident in the Hunter Valley,” he said.
“Our community has experienced unfathomable heartache, distress, and sadness, after a number of people closely connected to the club were on board and either injured or killed.”
Speaking on behalf of the club, Mr Hixon shared his “deepest sympathies” to the families who lost loved ones.
“Our first priority and focus is on supporting the families, friends and those from our wider club community who have been affected by this unspeakable tragedy,” he said.
“We thank every person and organisation that has offered support and condolences to our club and the families affected not only within our town and AFL community but also for those associated with the wedding party.”
He also asked for privacy as the town of 4261 people grieve their loved ones.
“We appreciate there is significant media and public interest in the tragedy and
those involved,” he said.
“We ask for the privacy of our community to be respected as we collectively grieve and process the enormous loss.
“Our club has been formed out of great people and the relationships fostered within it and we will lean on each other through this incredibly difficult time, with the memory of everyone that has been lost at the forefront of our thoughts.”
The football club has also raised $121,159 via a now closed GoFundMe, with the funds going towards families affected by the bus crash.
They’ve now directed donors to the Rotary’s Hunter Valley (NSW) Bus Tragedy Fund, which began after NSW Premier Chris Minns pledged $100,000 to survivors, victims and their families through the Premier’s Discretionary Fund.
As of Monday morning, the fund has raised an additional $611,000.
Bus driver Brett Button, 58, was charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, and one count of negligent driving after the crash. He was granted bail and will return to court at a later date.
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