Hunter Valley Bus Crash Memorial: A Somber Gathering to Honor Victims, Survivors, and First Responders

Hunter Valley bus crash memorial honors victims, survivors, and first responders

Grief shared by families is a ‘ripple on a pond’

The grief shared by the families of those whose loved ones died in the NSW Hunter Valley bus crash is a ‘ripple on a pond affecting all that it touches’, a memorial has been told.

Public gathering held in Singleton

Saturday’s public gathering was held in Singleton, the country town home to many who lost their lives.

Couple whose wedding those killed were attending also at service

The couple whose wedding those killed were attending, Mitchell Gaffney and Madeleine Edsell, were also seen at the service, at one stage comforted by NSW Premier Chris Minns.

Ten wedding guests killed, 25 injured in crash

Ten wedding guests were killed and another 25 were injured when their coach rolled near Greta in the Hunter Valley late on June 11.

Crash was worst road disaster in Australia for nearly 30 years

The crash, on the bend of a highway on-ramp, occurred late at night as guests were being driven home from the reception.

Nadene McBride and her daughter Kyah among those killed

Nadene McBride, who coached the Singleton Roosterettes, and her 22-year-old daughter Kyah, who played in the team, were among those killed.

Sister of Nadene McBride says tragedy has forever changed family’s lives

Nadene’s sister Helen Arthur said the tragedy had forever changed the family’s lives.

Jackie Varasdi, mother of victim Zach Bray, addresses other families

Jackie Varasdi, the mother of 29-year-old victim Zach Bray, also addressed the other families ‘suffering the deep loss of our beautiful 10’.

Roosterettes captain Tori Cowburn remembered for her zest for life

Roosterettes captain, 29-year-old Tori Cowburn, was remembered for her zest for life, love of family, and her ‘crazy nature, too’.

NSW Premier Chris Minns pays tribute to victims, survivors, and first responders

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the families and friends of those killed had been through challenges ‘most of us can’t begin to imagine’ and noted the extraordinary outpouring of support within the community.

Free communal barbecue held following service

Following the service, the showground hosted a free communal barbecue in partnership with local charities while sprigs of gum leaves were handed out.

Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy Fund raised close to $1.5 million

The Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy Fund, administered by Rotary, closed last month after raising close to $1.5 million.

Bus driver Brett Andrew Button faces 62 charges

Bus driver Brett Andrew Button, 59, faces 62 charges over the crash and remains before the courts.