‘Never forget’: Australia remembers six beautiful children lost in Hillcrest Primary School tragedy
Six happy young kids were just shy of capping off another school year when tragedy struck. Today, Tasmanians remember how a freak incident broke the hearts of the nation.
It’s clear the scars left over from the harrowing events of December 16, 2021, will never fully heal for many Tasmanians.
Grieving families and friends still struggle to even speak of their grief, with more than 170 first responders still receiving ongoing mental health support and 12 never returned to work.
A year ago today, students at Devonport’s Hillcrest Primary School were just shy of capping off another school year.
To mark the occasion was a school fair.
Spirits were high as the sun beat down on what was reportedly a fine, warm north Tasmanian summer day.
Precisely what happened next remains the subject of a coroner’s investigation but what is known is that six happy young souls were lost, and the nation’s heart was broken.
On December 16, 2021, Tasmania Police were called to Devonport’s Hillcrest Primary School around 10am.
“Police and emergency services are responding to an incident at Hillcrest Primary School involving a jumping castle and a wind event that has caused injuries,” local media were informed by a police dispatch shortly after.
By 5pm that day, it was confirmed four children had died.
“Nine Grade 6 Hillcrest Primary School students fell from a height of around 10 metres after a significant local wind event caused a jumping castle and several inflatable ‘zorb’ balls to lift into the air about 10am,” Tasmania Police confirmed that evening.
Sadly, four children – two girls and two boys – died at the scene and another five suffered critical or serious injuries and are in hospital, the statement continued.
Tasmania’s police commissioner at the time, Darren Hine, had made his way to the small port city in the hours after the incident.
It was he who broke the devastating news to the world.
“On a day where these children were meant to be celebrating their last day at primary school, instead we are all mourning their loss,” he said that afternoon.
“Our hearts are breaking for the families and loved ones, schoolmates and teachers of those children taken too soon.”
Later that evening, it was confirmed a fifth child had succumbed to their injuries.
That Sunday, promising young basketballer Chace Harrison was the last of the six in total to die from his injuries as his family made the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support.
“It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm a sixth child has lost their life,” Police Commissioner Hine said on the Sunday.
The lives of Zane Mellor, 12, Peter Dodt, 12, Addison Stewart, 11, Jye Sheehan, 12 and Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12, and Chace Harrison, 11, were cut tragically short.
Three others were seriously injured in the tragedy, including Beau Medcraft, who visited the scene with his parents with his arms in casts.
A world compelled to help
Within hours, an extraordinary Devonport woman, Zoe Smith, kicked off what would become a multimillion-dollar recovery drive – desperate to help in whatever way she could upon hearing of the tragedy that had rocked her town.
Just 18 at the time, Ms Smith started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the victims and their families.
Donations flooded in as news of the devastation spread across the nation and later the world.
“I don’t know of, or are related to, any of the affected children, but this is something close to my heart, and it was something simple I could do,” she wrote on the page in the hours after tragedy struck.
“I was moved by the tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School and wanted to do something to support the families throughout Christmas.”
In total, $2.2 million has been donated – much of that collected or sparked by Ms Smith’s crowd-funding efforts.
Tasmania’s State Recovery Adviser Craig Limkin told News Corp the families most directly affected received the majority share of the public fund, with the remainder going back into the community.
“The $1.4 million was Zoe Smith – a private citizen’s – GoFundMe fundraiser. Ms Smith determined that the $1.4 million would be directed to the families,” he said.
“The Hillcrest Public Community Fund raised $805,594.35 following an outpouring of generous donations from individuals, businesses and community organisations.
“The remaining donations are going towards initiatives in support of the Hillcrest Primary School community and the local community to help them with their ongoing recovery.”
Tasmania stars flood Devonport with tributes, love
In March 2022, the community gathered for a sellout pre-season AFL match to raise money for the families impacted by the heartbreaking incident.
The Richmond Tigers and Hawthorn took to Devonport Oval with a focus on remembering the six young lives taken too soon.
Georgie Burt was in the crowd that day and said her son Zane would be watching on “in spirit”.
“I am in awe of how many people came out,” she said.
For the Hawks, who have a 22-year-long corporate partnership with the state of Tasmania, it was an opportunity to play a part in the state’s healing process.
Tasmanian-born Tigers star Jack Riewoldt – an outspoken advocate for his state – was in Hobart at the time of the tragedy and in Devonport in the days after starting a charity ride for paralysed local footballer, Ryan Wiggins. The riders wore specially made tributes to Hillcrest.
He described the moment he heard the news.
“I can remember it was a really eerie feeling even at the other end of the state, and it shocked the Tasmanian community in general,” Riewoldt told The Mercury at the time.
“I ventured up to the school and paid my respects, and dropped off a couple of tokens of thought. It was a really, really soulful time in terms of delving into your own being to think about what is really important in your life.”
He said the charity match was a chance to show his team the community spirit of his home state – even in the face of the darkest of times.
“The one thing I’m really looking forward to the boys experiencing when they do come down is that sense of community that no other state has – that real community spirit that Tasmania has. It is probably due to the fact we are an island, but also the population isn’t as big as the other states of Australia.
“Once you are a Tasmanian, you’re always a Tasmanian, and you will always be a Tasmanian.
“It is something very special that comes from living and coming from the Apple Isle.”
First responders’ ‘phenomenal’ act in the face of tragedy
The sheer magnitude of the impact the tragedy had on first responders was made evident earlier this week.
Director of wellbeing support for Ambulance Tasmania and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management Matthew Richman said 174 members of the state’s emergency services had been receiving ongoing care after the incident.
About a dozen had not returned to work.
“I think it’s fair to say that Hillcrest, as we saw the flowers that were left at the scene, that it was a really impressive, inspirational event for the entire community,” Mr Richman said.
“All the emergency responders are part of that community, and it was felt very strongly.”
The heartbreaking story of the first responders’ experience was all but told in a single photograph taken by a young ABC reporter, who arrived at the scene not long after the incident unfolded.
It showed two Tasmania Police officers on the scene of the fatal jumping castle accident.
The two tearful officers sitting on the grass embraced each other, visibly distraught by the situation their line of duty had confronted them with.
The devastation from the December 16 tragedy will no doubt haunt first responders for years to come.
A local nurse took to social media soon after the tragedy detailing the plight of the state’s hospital system as it dealt with the heartbreaking mass casualty event.
“I’m a nurse who just happened to be on shift as the code brown was called,” they wrote.
“The ED [emergency department] was frantic, preparing bays for incoming trauma, in a facility that has never seen this kind of event.”
The nurse explained how off-duty doctors drove in from nearby towns to help.
“All I can say about the way this hospital pulled it together is phenomenal,” they said.
“I’ve been watching the news. I’ve seen the kids who made it to the hospital. It’s devastating to read that there was another we couldn’t save. And the hope that the others pull through.”
Many Tasmania police, ambulance and health workers who attended to the children returned to the school to pay their respects in the days following.
‘Mini tornado, a wind devil or similar’: The hunt for answers
The mammoth task of piecing together exactly what happened is ongoing, with an inquest expected to be held in the first half of 2023.
The last update from Tasmanian coroner Olivia McTaggart in October confirmed a joint public inquest would be held into the deaths, but she said that wouldn’t happen for at least six more months.
She described the investigation as “intensive” and “complex” with counsel assisting Leigh Mackey, telling the families during a coronial update the event was a result of a suspected “mini tornado, a wind devil or similar”.
“It appears to have been powerful and concentrated,” she said.
The update informed the families of what information had already been collected, and what more was needed.
“I recognise that this event and the deaths of the children has greatly affected so many people,” Coroner McTaggart said.
“It’s an event that has touched and saddened the whole Devonport community, and it’s had such an impact on Tasmanian citizens as a whole.”
And while never disclosed by authorities at the time, the coronial update revealed two children died at the scene, while the remaining four died at hospitals around the state.
Ms Mackay said it was believed five of the children killed were on the jumping castle, while the sixth was struck by an object while waiting in line for an activity.
“The jumping castle and zorb balls were inflated, secured, operated and supervised by three TasZorb personnel on site,” she said.
“Small groups of children were permitted onto the castle at a time for short periods.”
Video interviews with students, affidavits from witnesses, emergency responders and the forensic team, triple-0 transcripts, body cam footage, Bureau of Meteorology data and expert preliminary weather reports have so far been collected.
As of the October update, evidence from WorkSafe Tasmania and a report from a weather expert engaged by the coroner had not yet been received.
A state in recovery after ‘the day our hearts broke’
Tasmania’s premier Jeremy Rockliff grew up in the small Tasmania farming community of Sassafras, about 20km south of Devonport, and he has represented the local electorate of Braddon since 2002.
He, like so many other members of the North Tasmanian community, struggles to put the region’s pain into words.
“As a member of our community, a father and a local MP, it is almost impossible to put into words the depth of feeling we have all experienced and continue to following this devastating tragedy,” he said in a statement to News Corp.
“The loss of such cherished young children sent shockwaves throughout the entire nation.
“While the heartache remains, I could not be prouder of the way Tasmanians have come together as one and wrapped their arms around everyone so utterly devastated to provide such love, support and care.”
Now a year on, Mr Rockliff said the pain for the young lives lost and their loved ones was still felt in the community’s hearts and minds.
“The tragedy that occurred remains and will forever be utterly heartbreaking for the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were injured or lost their lives, as well as for the wider Tasmanian community,” he said.
“Throughout the year, I have met with the families of the children who tragically lost their lives and those who were injured and my heart continues to go out to them.
“There is no doubt this tragedy has and will remain with them deeply forever, and I know I speak for all Tasmanians as we continue to extend our deepest sympathies.
“We will never forget, and we remain committed to doing everything we can to help them through this extremely difficult journey.”
Annette Rockliff was Devonport City Council’s mayor at the time. During her final Mayor’s Address upon departure from office in November 2022, she detailed the coastal Tasmanian community’s long road to recovery.
“There are some moments that are etched in our minds forever,” she said.
“As mayor and as a mother and a grandmother, that moment will always be December 16, 2021. The day our hearts broke for the Hillcrest Primary School community.
“The tragedy absolutely rocked our close-knit community, and it will for a long time to come. “While it’s still difficult to process for me, it’s important that we all continue to support one another as best we can or to seek help for ourselves or for those around us.”
Outgoing young boy was mum’s ‘first love’
Twelve-year-old Zane Mellor loved dinosaurs, fishing, camping and playing PlayStation.
But just days before Christmas, when his school holiday should have been in full swing, his family and friends farewelled him at his funeral.
Officiator Tracey Bruce told mourners of Zane’s love for his family and, of course, dinosaurs.
“Zane was kind, loving and caring to his younger brothers and sisters until they got to about the age of five, and then it turned into your typical sibling love/hate relationship,” she said.
“Even as a baby, he was full-on, and didn’t stop. He was obsessed with the correct pronunciation of dinosaur names.”
His mother, Georgie Burt, recently told News Corp he was her “first love”.
“I miss my beautiful son Zane, he was courageous, handsome, unquestionably unique, my firstborn son, and my light in the darkest of rooms,” she said.
“He was my first love, I will miss him until I see him again.”
‘Little hero’ tried to help mates
Peter Dodt, 12, was remembered as a “little hero” who tried to save the lives of others caught up in the jumping castle tragedy, during his funeral ceremony in late December 2021.
Peter’s cousin, Jye Dodt, said Peter fought until the end in the hospital, which allowed his father enough time to get there from out of town to say his goodbyes.
“Peter was our little hero who was always there to lend a helping hand,” he said.
“Peter had his life taken too soon in a tragic accident – and, in typical Peter fashion, he was stubborn and fought until the end.
“Turns out he wasn’t only our little hero, but it sounds like he attempted to help the other children on the jumping castle as well.”
Peter’s mother, Miranda Mclaughlin, told News Corp earlier this year he was heard yelling at kids to get off the bouncy castle as the incident unfolded.
“He knew something was wrong, and he would have been like that. He wouldn’t have worried about himself. He would have worried about making sure everyone else was okay.
“He was so full of life, and he had heaps more to give.”
Little Addison remembered as a ‘mother hen’
Addison Stewart, 11, was considered a “mother hen” by her brother and best friend as family and loved ones farewelled her on New Year’s Eve, 2021.
She loved dancing, singing, dogs, the Essendon Bombers and the Dick Johnson V8 Supercars racing team, according to her dad.
“I was on a mission to turn her into my little tomboy,” her father said.
“Farewell our beautiful baby Bomber,” her father Nathan told mourners at her funeral.
He said he one day hoped to publish a book in her honour.
“Addison, I want to let you know that my children’s book that you had some input in, I will try my hardest to get that finished and published to honour your memory.”
Chace had sports stardom in his eyes
Chace Harrison, 11, was also laid to rest on New Year’s Eve 2021.
He loved all things sport, including his beloved Western Bulldogs and NBA Golden State Warriors star, Steph Curry.
He himself, was a real up-and-comer on the Tasmanian basketball scene, particularly among the Devonport Warriors basketball community.
Tasmania JackJumpers NBL squad rallied around Devonport in the days, weeks and months following the tragedy.
The team shared a touching tribute to Chace.
“Tasmania JackJumpers are deeply saddened by the passing of another young life as a result of the Hillcrest Primary incident,” a statement from the team said upon hearing Chace had passed away in hospital.
“Chace Harrison was a promising young athlete who some of the JackJumpers family knew personally. We share in the grief of the Tasmanian community and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Teresa and Craig – his mum and dad – described the Chace as cheeky and fun-loving in written tributes.
“Our hearts are broken. Our world has changed forever. Our love for you will always remain the same,” they wrote.
Clever, cheeky Jye given his ‘angel wings’
Jye Sheehan, 12, was a keen soccer player who admired Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi – so much so that he always ate his veggies, salad and fruit to “improve his soccer fitness”.
Tragically Jye’s father, Glenn, was in intensive care and could not attend his son’s funeral.
“The first time I met Jye, I saw a miniature Glenn, and he could light up the room with his mischievous smile,” a cousin speaking in place for Glenn said.
“Glenn enjoyed sharing a love for playing board games together.
“Jye now has his angel wings and is reunited with Poppy Max and Nanny Lynn.
“You are so wonderful to think of but so hard to live without.”
Mrs Thompson, his teacher, told the ceremony he was a bright kid with great humour and had cheeky answers for everything.
“He had a love and enthusiasm for life that was infectious,” she said.
“Jye was one of those special people who would leave a lasting impression on everyone.”
His best mate remembered him as “my gaming wingman” with the two bonding over their passion for the video game, Fortnite.
JJ lived up to the ‘little mum’ mantle
Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12, took her younger brother safely to school each day – earning her the mantle in her family as the ‘protective older sister’.
Her family told those who gathered to remember her that she was like a “little mum” to the younger children in her life.
Always bright, bubbly and fun, she was known as ‘JJ’ to those close to her,” the funeral director said.
“She loved to sing and dance, watching YouTube with her older siblings and dancing in front of the telly.
“Typical of a 12-year-old girl, she loved getting her nails done, and that was a top priority.
“She was a little mum to all the little kids in her life, and her mother said she was joined at the hip with her younger brother.”
Statements from teachers, which were read allowed at her funeral, lauded her happy and mature demeanour.
“Your love and protection that you showed for your family, especially your brother is beyond words.,” a teacher said.
“You would ensure he was in class and organised and come to me saying, ‘I have delivered him safely’, with a cheeky look on your face.”
“From the time I met Jalailah, she was always full of hope,” another of her teachers said.
“She always tried to fit in with her classmates and took younger siblings under her wing.”
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