A junior doctor working in a Newcastle hospital has been identified as one of 10 wedding guests killed in one of Australia’s worst bus crashes in decades.
Tragedy struck on Sunday as a bus returning guests from a wedding reception at Wandin Estate Winery in Lovedale to Singleton lost control and overturned about 11.30pm.
Health Minister Ryan Park sent his condolences to the family of junior doctor Rebecca Mullen, confirming the Singleton local who worked at Calvary Mater Newcastle hospital had died in the crash.
“This has made a very dark day even darker for NSW Health,” Mr Park told reporters on Tuesday.
“Someone who was obviously going to have a long and illustrious career in medicine has been taken way too early.
“Our focus now is on putting all of their support around her family, loved ones and her friends.”
Singleton Mayor Sue Moore said her close-knit community was struggling to come to terms with the extent of the loss after enduring previous tragedies during bushfires and floods.
“This is a whole different level, of course, with seven lives lost,” she told ABC TV on Tuesday.
Singleton was a small community which meant locals were likely to have a connection to victims, Ms Moore said.
The victims include Singleton mother Nadene McBride and her daughter Kyah McBride.
Nadene’s husband, Graham “Banger” McBride, is being treated in hospital.
A Facebook post on the Sydney Women’s AFL Masters page said their community was “shocked and saddened” by the deaths.
“Our thoughts and sympathy extend to all the friends, families and team mates of Nads and Kyah and the Singleton football community,” it said.
Singleton man Kane Symons, who also died in the crash, was called a “superman” by his former Tasmanian Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club.
“He was a leader, a great bloke and a mate to many,” Christine Gaby from the club wrote on social media.
Singleton husband and wife Andrew and Lynan Scott also died in the crash, leaving behind two young children.
Redland-Victoria Point Sharks Football Club paid tribute to the couple on social media.
“The football community is mourning the loss of former player Andrew Scott and wife Lynan,” the club wrote.
“(Andrew) was a terrific member of our community both on and off the field and was characterised by his big heart and willingness to help anyone.”
Tori Cowburn, also from Singleton, died in the crash alongside Melbourne man Darcy Bulman, Queensland man Angus Craig and Zach Bray from Byron Bay.
Cessnock Mayor Jay Suvaal said the city was in shock but would support its neighbours in Singleton.
The owners of local hotels have begun offering accommodation to the victims’ families, with many needing extended stays in the area.
“We want to make sure people have got the support services they need,” Mr Suvaal said.
“Cessnock Council and Singleton Council are working with the state government to announce something soon.”
Community crisis centres have been opened in Branxton, Singleton and Cessnock.
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