Last goodbyes for Hillcrest kids in heartbreaking services

The last two of six children who tragically lost their lives after the tragic Hillcrest jumping castle incident have been laid to rest during ceremonies earlier today.

The last of six children who lost their lives after the tragic Hillcrest jumping castle accident were laid to rest in Devonport on Friday.

Chace Harrison and Addison Steward, both 11, each had their respective funeral services at the Mersey Gardens Chapel.

The services were attended by hundreds of family members and friends.

Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan and Peter Dodt were all farewelled in recent days.

Breaking News Breaking News Hillcrest primary school memorial.

Allthree survivors of the tragedy will soon be home with their families.

Nine children were injured in the shock incident. Six did not survive.

Beau Medcraft was discharged before Christmas and was at the Mersey Chapel on Friday to say goodbye to his mate Chace Harrison.

Premier Peter Gutwein confirmed this week that one of the two children in the Royal Hobart Hospital had now been discharged and the other will be discharged next week.

At the same time, the thousands of floral tributes, teddies and other toys left outside the school by community members over the past two weeks were collected on Friday night to be preserved as plans for a permanent memorial are finalised by the Devonport City Council.

Families and the community were invited to attend as the tributes were collected in a moment of quiet reflection.

Mourners pay tribute to the children who died after gust of wind swept away a jumping castle at Hillcrest Primary School Devonport Tasmania. Picture: Jason Edwards

Devonport Council general manager Matthew Atkins said the council would store the tributes safely and work with the family members, and the Hillcrest school community, to create a permanent memorial to honour the six students.

“While we can’t take away the anguish that our community is … going through, we are accessing expert advice to do what we can to ‘be there’ and provide support as we all go forward,” Mr Atkins said.

The council has a dedicated webpage where people can access the public condolence book and donate to a support fund.

Little leader Addison’s future was bright, Mourners told.

YOUNG Addison Stewart had been excited about starting Grade 6 in the new year.

She had been voted onto the student council at Hillcrest Primary School and elected sports’ leader.

Instead of fulfilling those dreams, “Addy” was farewelled at a service at Mersey Chapel on Friday – just two weeks before her twelfth birthday.

Addison’s funeral was the last of six held for the victims of the Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy on December 16.

Her father Nathan Stewart paid tribute to his “little tomboy.”

Addison Stewart

“She was shy when she was little but when she came out of her shell she was a real people person,” Mr Stewart told mourners.

“I will try and finish the children’s book we were working on and published in your honour.

“I know you hated my mohawk so I am here today with a proper haircut. I am so sorry I could not protect you.”

Her mother Kylie said Addison was in the school choir, loved playing basketball with classmate Chace Harrison, who was also killed that horrible day on the oval, or just “chilling on the swings.”

ADDISON STEWART FUNERAL

Her grandfather Graham Deacon said Addison was fast turning from a little girl into a young lady.

“She had the potential to achieve in whatever career path she would have chosen. Now young lady, take your wings and fly like a bird with the other five angels,” he said.

Celebrant Delma Carpenter said the tragedy still felt like a nightmare to the families involved and it would take a long time for them to heal.

ADDISON STEWART FUNERAL

“When an elderly person dies we grieve but when a child dies we grieve for them and the life they did not get to lead,” Mrs Carpenter said.

Addison was the oldest of the Tewarts’ three children and was like a “mother hen.”

“It was often commented Addison was wise beyond her years, an old soul if you will,” Mrs Carpenter said.

Mourners were told Addison would miss her little brother’s first day of school.

“There are so many adventures you won’t get to go on, but we will take you with us on our journey,” her dad said.

Chace remembered as an ‘authentic, hope-filled champion’

PROMISING young basketballer Chace Harrison has been remembered as a big, bright personality with a great sense of humour.

Chace, the oldest of Theresa and Craig Harrison’s three children, is the fifth victim of the Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy to be formally farewelled.

Six children were killed on December 16 when a freak gust of wind lifted a jumping castle and zorb balls into the air.

CHACE HARRISON FUNERAL

Another three children were injured. Beau Medcraft attended Chace’s funeral with a cast on his arm.

It is understood one of two children who remained in hospital is now home.

Chace’s little sister Amelia told mourners she got to see Chace at the hospital before he died.

“I hugged you and sang to you,” she said.

CHACE HARRISON FUNERAL

Chace had a special bond with his uncle Jeremy.

“You were more than a nephew you wee my best little mate,” he said.

The 11-year-old was looking forward to starting Grade 6 at Devonport Christian School next year where he already had many friends due to his participation in many sports.

Principal Chad Smit called Chace a “authentic, hope-filled champion.”

“This is your village,’ he told the boy’s family. “You are not alone.”

Chace Harrison.

Chace’s coffin was painted in the colours of his beloved NBA team – the Golden State Warriors.

Devonport Warriors Basketball Coach Matt Sturzaker said Chace was a “warrior for life.”

“Shoot for the stars and keep hooping,” Mr Sturzaker said.

Many of the mourners were wearing Western Bulldog scarfs and jumpers out of respect for Chace’s beloved “doggies” and the club’s theme song blasted loud and proud at the end of the service.

CHACE HARRISON FUNERAL

Hillcrest primary teacher Jan-Maree Pearce said Chace was full of beans and loved reading.

“You were a real ideas guy and wore your heart on your sleeve,” she said.

Chace was once asked what family meant to him.

“A party,” he replied. Family and friends gathered after the service at the Spreyton Football Club to do just that in his honour.

Mum Theresa spoke of Chace’s huge appetite for not just food but life.

“You were loud and boisterous and needed to be reminded about using you “inside voice,” she said.

“You still held my hand. How I wish I could hold it again. I was so incredibly proud of you.”