The community of Daylesford will come together today to honour the memory of the lives lost and forever changed as a result of last year’s tragic collision that claimed the lives of five people.
Hepburn Shire Council CEO, Bradley Thomas said the day’s commemoration serves as a time for reflection, healing, and unity as family, friends, and the community gather to pay tribute to those who were taken too soon.
“We hope that the words spoken, the wreaths laid, and the minute of silence in remembrance will help heal and give strength to loved ones and the community one year on,” said Mr Thomas.
“We are gathering not only to remember those we lost but to support one another through the healing process.Â
“This tragedy has forever changed our community, but it has also brought us closer, showing the power of unity, compassion, and resilience.”Â
The incident, which deeply shook the community and region, has left a lasting impact on all those connected to it, he said.
Last month a court heard that driver, William Swale, 66, was in the midst of a diabetic episode when his SUV crashed into a crowd of people seated in the garden bar of the historic Daylesford pub, killing five people including two children.
Mr Swale was initially charged with five counts of culpable driving causing death, two counts of negligently causing serious injury, and seven counts of reckless conduct endangering life, following the November 2023 crash.
At the September committal hearing, all charges were dropped after a magistrate found there was not sufficient evidence to find Mr Swale guilty of any of the charges due to his medical state at the time of the accident.
The commemoration will take place outside the Royal Hotel Daylesford at 9am.
Members of the public are welcome to attend.
