Augustin Kalkandi killed in horror crash at Windermere

Tributes are pouring in for a 25-year-old farm worker who loved his life in Australia until it was tragically taken in a crash near Bundaberg.

Friends, family and the Farmgate Backpackers are mourning the loss Vanuatuan Augustin Kalkandi, 25, known to his workmates as August, following his death in a two-car collision at Windemere on Saturday night, November 23.Â

The employers of a man who was killed in a horror crash near Bundaberg have paid tribute to their “valued team member and good friend”.

Friends, family and the Farmgate Backpackers are mourning the loss Vanuatuan Augustin Kalkandi, 25, known to his workmates as August, following his death in a two-car collision at Windermere on Saturday night, November 23.

Nobody else was seriously injured, but multiple people received minor injuries and a driver has been charged over the crash.

Farmgate Backpackers is mourning the loss Vanuatu national Augustin Kalkandi, known to his workmates as August, was involved in the two-vehicle collision at Windermere on November 23.

A tribute from Farmgate Backpackers said August would be remembered as a real character who loved his life in Australia.

He had been a dedicated and valued member of Greensill Farming’s sweet potato planting team, all of whom will miss him very much, the tribute read.

August brought a smile to everyone’s face both at work and at the hostel.

“I can’t get his big happy smile out of my head,” hostel manager Jules Ramsay said.

“August was always happy. It was clear to all who knew him that he lived life to the fullest,” she said.

The scene of the crash at Windermere near Bundaberg on November 23, 2024.

Farmgate director Bill Darby expressed his gratitude to his amazing hostel staff and to the local community.

“Greensill Farming’s management have been particularly compassionate,” he said.

“Fellow hostel owners and other employers of Pacific Islanders have also reached out.

“Our local police chaplain and consulate staff have wrapped their arms around our workers to support them and we are very grateful.”

A Bundaberg East man was charged with dangerous driving causing death in the wake of the crash.

Reginold Toa, 33, has been charged over the crash.

Police allege the white Toyota Hiace van was travelling on Hummock Road in Windermere about 7.25pm when it collided with a Mazda BT-50 at the intersection with Elliot Heads Road.

Mr Toa has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.

He was granted bail in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Monday, and is scheduled to reappear on February 10, 2025.

Reginold Toa, 33, will appear at Bundaberg Magistrates Court again in February to face the charge laid in the wake of the horror crash at Windermere on November 26.

Vanuatuan authorities have been contacted by Australian counterparts following Mr Kalkandi’s death.

The federal Department of Employment and Workplace Relations confirmed it was aware a Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme worker had died after a crash at Windermere.

A total of nine people, including two children, were assessed when the van and ute rolled in the Windermere crash.

Six men and one woman in their 30s suffered minor injuries and were taken to Bundaberg Hospital in stable conditions.

One boy and one girl were transported with minor injuries and in a stable condition to Bundaberg Hospital.

A Queensland Fire Department spokeswoman confirmed they had multiple crews on the scene of the fatal crash Saturday night.

She said the first crew arrived at 7.30pm.

“One person was trapped,” she said. “Crews were working to extricate them.”

QFD crews had them out and with paramedics by 7.50pm.

A Department of Employment and Workplace Relations spokesman said: “Our priority is the wellbeing of the people involved in the incident, and our thoughts are with those involved”.

“The department has contacted the Vanuatu head of mission, country liaison officers and labour sending unit.

“The PALM scheme employer has provided immediate support to workers affected by the death.”

Originally published as Augustin Kalkandi killed in horror crash at Windermere