The Singleton community has broken its silence after the tragic Hunter Valley bus crash that claimed 10 lives last week.
A vigil has been held for the victims of the horrific bus crash that killed ten people in the NSW Hunter Region on Sunday night.
Members of the Singleton Roosters football club gathered at the local oval last night, placing flowers in the middle of the ground and gathering together to remember the victims.
A regional football club plunged into turmoil after the horrific Hunter Valley wedding bus crash has asked for privacy as its members continue to grieve for loved ones.
Speaking to media from the club’s home ground of Rose Point Park on Monday, Singleton Roosters AFC President, Dylan Hixon explained how the tight-knit community was recovering from the devastating incident.
Club members made up seven of the ten total killed in the crash, including Kane Symons, Tori Cowburn, married couple Andrew and Lynan Scott, and mother and daughter Nadene and Kyah McBride.
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The local football club lost seven members in the bus crash. Source: NCA NewsWire / Rhett Wyman pool
“Our community has experienced unfathomable heartache and distress”
“The Singleton Roosters Australian Football Club has been devastated by the tragic bus incident in the Hunter Valley,” he said.
“Our community has experienced unfathomable heartache, distress, and sadness, after a number of people closely connected to the club were on board and either injured or killed.”
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Multiple club members were returning to Singleton from the wedding of Mitchell Gaffney and Madeleine Edsell. Source: Instagram
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Speaking on behalf of the club, Mr Hixon shared his “deepest sympathies” to the families who lost loved ones.
“Our first priority and focus is on supporting the families, friends and those from our wider club community who have been affected by this unspeakable tragedy,” he said.
“We thank every person and organisation that has offered support and condolences to our club and the families affected not only within our town and AFL community but also for those associated with the wedding party.”
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The bus driver has been charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, and one count of negligent driving. Source: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles
Singleton community asks for privacy
He also asked for privacy as the town of 4261 people grieve their loved ones.
“We appreciate there is significant media and public interest in the tragedy and those involved,” he said.
“We ask for the privacy of our community to be respected as we collectively grieve and process the enormous loss.
“Our club has been formed out of great people and the relationships fostered within it and we will lean on each other through this incredibly difficult time, with the memory of everyone that has been lost at the forefront of our thoughts.”
The football club has also raised $121,159 via a now-closed GoFundMe, with the funds going towards families affected by the bus crash.
They’ve now directed donors to the Rotary’s Hunter Valley (NSW) Bus Tragedy Fund, which began after NSW Premier Chris Minns pledged $100,000 to survivors, victims and their families through the Premier’s Discretionary Fund.
As of Monday morning, the fund has raised an additional $611,000.
Bus driver Brett Button, 58, was charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, and one count of negligent driving after the crash. He was granted bail and will return to court at a later date.