“[If] you can assist by lobbying your federal, state and members that would be appreciated.”
The groom’s mother Carolyn Gaffney made her own seatbelt plea in a post on Facebook.
“Our wider club community … have been affected by this unspeakable tragedy”: Singleton Roosters’ senior president Dylan Hixon.Credit: Roni Bintang
“So that something ‘good’ can come out of this our family would appreciate if the community would lobby the state and federal governments to ensure that seatbelts are provided in all buses and the wearing of them made compulsory.”
Many of those on board the bus were members of the Singleton Roosters Australian rules football club.
The Roosters senior president Dylan Hixon spoke on Monday, surrounded by others from the club, saying the community was facing “unfathomable heartache”.
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“The club extends its deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones, while our thoughts are with everyone close to each person involved, including those who have passed away and suffered injuries,” he said at Rose Point Park, where the club trains and plays matches.
“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.”
Victims from the crash include a junior medical officer with Hunter New England Local Health District, Rebecca Mullen, football mad mother and daughter Kyah and Nadene McBride and bowel cancer survivor Zach Bray.
Bus driver Brett Button, 58, was released on bail after being charged with serious driving offences. It was revealed in court he told passengers to “fasten your seatbelts” before the crash.
Hixon acknowledged there was strong media and public interest in the tragedy, but said the club community needed to time to grieve.
Ten bus passengers were killed in the Hunter Valley crash last Sunday.
“We ask for the privacy of our community to be respected as we collectively grieve and process this enormous loss,” he said.
“We will lean on each other through this incredible and difficult time with the memory of everyone that has been lost at the forefront of our thoughts.”
Last week NSW Premier Chris Minns pledged $100,000 to families affected by the disaster. A relief fund is being co-managed by the state government and Rotary Australia for members of the public to make donations.
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Speaking on Monday morning with Ben Fordham on 2GB, Minns said a significant amount had already been donated.
“Pleasingly we’re at about $600,000 or $611,000 which is a significant number from people in Australia and NSW … those funds will go to the families that have been affected, offsetting funeral costs and accommodation for people that have come to Sydney to deal with a terrible tragedy,” Minns said.
As of Monday morning, seven people are in a stable condition at John Hunter Hospital, while two are stable at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
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