JackJumpers players wear black bands as tribute to Hillcrest victims in Perth match
The Tasmanian JackJumpers showed their support for the victims of Hillcrest Primary in an emotional tribute at their game in Perth last night. TRIBUTES >>
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The Tasmanian JackJumpers showed their support for the community on the weekend with players wearing black bands in Sunday’s game and taking badges with the Hillcrest Primary School logo with them to Perth as a tribute.
“Tasmania JackJumpers are deeply saddened by the passing of another young life as a result of the Hillcrest Primary incident,” the team said in an Instagram story.
“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.
The Devonport Warriors Basketball Club also posted a tribute to Chase.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to our little Warrior, Chace,” the club said on its Facebook page.
“To all who have been affected by this tragedy, we walk with you in your sorrow.
“Chace, seek out a basketball court, lit up by the stars and keep shooting those hoops! Always a Warrior!”
Viral artwork takes over park wall
A LARGE mural of the tribute artwork for the Hillcrest Primary School tragedy has been painted in Launceston to honour the children who died.
The logo was created by artist Sam Mizzi to bring the community together and has spread across social media.
Artist James Cowan, of KreamArt, has now replicated the logo on a flood wall at Launceston’s Royal Park.
“After seeing the logo everywhere, it brought a tear to my eye,” Mr Cowan said.
“I knew I had to do something, I knew I had to paint this as big as I can.”
Mr Cowan added five hearts and a message: “Loved by all. Beautiful angels.”
“I don’t have kids myself but I’ve worked a lot with youth this year,” he said.
“When the tragedy broke, it was heartbreaking.”
Mr Cowan said he wanted the mural to be somewhere many people would see it, which is why he chose Royal Park.
“That’s where all the families go for picnics, it will be seen on the highway and passers-by on foot,” Mr Cowan said.
“I hope those who see it think about the families in involved and Hillcrest Primary.”
Mr Cowan said it was also for first responders who attended the scene as well as family and friends.
“I want them to see it and feel like we’re here for them,” he said.
Boy, 11, becomes sixth death from Hillcrest tragedy
A SIXTH child has died following the devastating Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy.
Chace Harrison, 11, died after an end-of-year celebration was cut short, Tasmania Police have said.
“It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm a sixth child has lost their life,” Police Commissioner Darren Hine said.
Commissioner Hine said an investigation would take time, as the complex task of interviewing children among the more than 40 grade five and six students would be a sensitive procedure.
He said four forensic child interviewers were flying in from NSW Police on Sunday to assist.
“We want to make sure we’ve got the best services to interview those children affected,” Commissioner Hine said.
“We can only imagine how traumatic it is for everyone involved.”
Premier Peter Gutwein extended his condolences and said government support to the families would be ongoing.
“I think we need to ensure at the moment that our thoughts are still with those two children who are critically hurt,” he said.
“None of us can understand just how difficult it is for those six families who’ve lost children.”
Two children remain in the Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition.
A jumping castle at the school’s end of year event was lifted into the air on Thursday causing several children to fall.
The five students identified previously were Addison Stewart, 11, and 12-year-olds Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones and Peter Dodt.
The incident has shattered the Devonport community.
An outpouring of support and grief has resulted in more than $1.2m flowing into a GoFundMe fundraiser established to support the families of the deceased.
The fundraiser has closed, with the organiser urging donors to direct funds to the MyState Hillcrest Community Fund instead.
For anyone in need of assistance, there is a range of 24-hour support services available:
• Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800
• Mental Health Services Helpline - 1800 332 388
• Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
• Lifeline - 13 11 14
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