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The mother of one of the children killed in the devastating bouncy castle tragedy has spoken out on the first anniversary of the fatal accident.
Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones and Chace Harrison died after a gust of wind lifted a bouncy castle and inflatable balls into the air at Hillcrest Primary School in the Devonport city, al northwestern Tasmania on January 16. year.
From left: Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, and Jalailah Jayne-Marie Jones died on December 16, 2021. Three days later, Chace Harrison (right) succumbed to his injuries.
Zane Mellor is pictured with his brother. His mother, Georgie Burt, has spoken about his grief after the accident.
Three other children were seriously injured.
The incident occurred when students were playing on the school oval with their fifth and sixth grade classmates, enjoying the end-of-year celebrations.
Zane Mellor’s mother, Georgie Burt, says she has lived through the “greatest pain” any parent could endure in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“To think that a year has gone by without my son’s smile, my son’s beautiful energy in our home is just a pain that I cannot put into words,” she told ABC.
“Losing a child is the greatest pain that no human being should have to endure,” he said.
‘I miss my beautiful son Zane. He was brave, handsome, indisputably unique, my firstborn son and my light in the darkest rooms.
‘He was my first love, I will miss him until I see him again.
A ceremony was held Thursday night ahead of the first anniversary of the fatal crash at Hillcrest Elementary School.
Their families, friends, first responders and political leaders were among those who paid their respects in the city’s Market Square.
Twelve first responders from the Hillcrest Public School tragedy are still on mental health leave a year after the deadly incident (pictured, two of the many heartbroken first responders on scene)
The simple phrase ‘forever in our hearts’ was shared on a giant screen.
“December 16, 2021 was the most tragic day,” Prime Minister Jeremy Rockliff said.
“The loss of such beloved… children has shocked the Devonport, Tasmanian community and indeed our entire nation.”
A photomontage of the six children was reproduced, which also included cards and messages of support.
“We continue to keep the children, their families and their loved ones in our hearts and minds,” Rockliff said.
‘Over the past 12 months, Tasmanians have come together as one, embracing all.
“However, we recognize that no matter how hard we try, no matter how hard we keep trying, we can never truly walk in the shoes of those who have lost so much.
“We will never forget your precious children and will always walk by your side in your pain.”
Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman thanked the counselors who helped the community through recovery, adding that the day was “etched in our hearts forever”.
A message from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also read.
“Your community is in the hearts and minds of all Australians as we remember the six beautiful children,” he said.
“They were so young, but they had already brought so much joy to this world and to the lives of those who loved them.”
Hillcrest Elementary School held a private ceremony Friday morning to mark the anniversary of the incident.
People placed flowers and messages of support near a metal heart structure, inspired by the image of a broken heart shared widely on social media after the tragedy.
Also in attendance were representatives from the school, which will hold a private commemoration on Friday.
Planning for a permanent monument, such as a garden or sculpture, will take place next year.
A coronary inquest, which has not yet set a date for public hearings, will investigate the circumstances of the day.
At an administrative inquiry hearing it was said that a powerful ‘mini tornado’ could have lifted the castle into the air.
Five of the children who died were in the castle and the other was waiting in line.
The 174 emergency services personnel involved in the immediate response are receiving ongoing support and around a dozen have yet to return to work.
The chair of the Hillcrest Disaster Recovery Committee, created to help the community, has urged people to reach out if they need help.
“A year later, it has the potential to trigger reactions, emotions, depending on where you are in the (grief) cycle,” Lauchie Avery told the AAP.
‘The thing is not to bottle it. If you don’t feel well, go and get help. Whether it’s family, friends or someone professional.’