A public Memorial Service will take place next month to honour the memory of the lives lost in the Hunter Valley bus tragedy.
Just after 11.30pm on Sunday 11 June, 10 people – Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig – were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in rolled at the roundabout on Wine Country Drive, near the Hunter Expressway off ramp, at Greta.
Several others suffered extensive injuries.
The incident also touched the lives of countless Australians, not just local residents.
Afterwards, the driver of the bus was charged with numerous offences, which are currently before the court.
Now, three months later, the NSW Government, in partnership with Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council, will stage the Memorial Service at the Singleton Showground on Saturday 21 October from 11am.
Members of the community are encouraged to attend.
“This [service] will allow everyone to come together to grieve, support one another and pay tribute to those affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“It’ll provide an opportunity to recognise the courage and resilience of the frontline emergency service workers who attended the scene and treated patients in our hospitals, too.”
A ticket is not required to attend, and the event will be live-streamed on the NSW Government website.
“The support that continues to be provided to our community since this tragedy has been overwhelming,” Singleton mayor Sue Moore said.
“Many people’s lives have been affected and it’s important that we stay strong.
“The memorial will be a chance for our tight-knit community to rally together and remember all those lost in the accident and support each other.”
It’s a sentiment shared by Cessnock City mayor Jay Suvaal.
“So many people from our communities have been affected by this tragedy,” he said.
“The support shown for the families and victims, not just from locals but all around the nation, has been greatly appreciated.
“A memorial will be an important step in the long healing process… and reminds our residents that they’ll never walk alone, as our community looks after one another.”
Following the service, a free communal barbecue in partnership with local charitable organisations will be hosted at the showground.
The Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy Fund, administered by Rotary, received overwhelming aid from generous donors raising close to $1.5 million.
For the most up-to-date information on the Memorial Service, visit nsw.gov.au/huntermemorial
For more news stories:
- Singleton Roosters’ leader Nadene McBride posthumously recognised for AFLW contribution
- Lott chasing mystery $1 million Hunter winner
- Two charged following car break-ins at Wallsend
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
