Singleton and Cessnock Councils are rallying behind their local communities in the wake of Sunday’s tragic Hunter Valley bus crash that claimed the lives of 10 people and saw 25 hospitalised with injuries.
Singleton Council Mayor, Sue Moore says residents in the close-knit communities would be impacted widely by the tragedy.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, first responders – everyone who has been affected by this,” said Mayor Moore.
“It will go on for weeks and months to try to heal from this.”
The Council has opened a Community Crisis Centre to offer support to residents affected by the incident.
“Our community is heartbroken over the horrific tragedy over the weekend that claimed the lives of ten people who were travelling home after celebrating the wedding of a local Singleton couple,” the Council said in a statement.
“We are proud of our tight-knit community in Singleton, and a tragedy like this will touch everyone in some way.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims – those who lost their lives and those who have been injured, their families and friends, as well as our emergency services personnel who responded to such a confronting scene.”
Neighbouring Cessnock Mayor, Jay Suvaal said residents offered their heartfelt condolences and support to the family and friends of victims.
“The tragedy has shaken our close-knit community,” he said.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Council staff and the first responders who are attending this horrendous accident and the health workers who are still treating casualties.”
Cessnock City Council will open a Community Crisis Centre today at Branxton Community Hall from 10am to 4pm for anyone affected by the tragic events of the weekend.
“There will be trained mental health workers available for anyone who needs support, and information about other support services will be on hand,” the Council said in a statement.
“This service is for people who need access to support. We ask that any enquiries about the incident please contact NSW Police Force.”
NSW Premier, Chris Minns travelled to the crash site yesterday to extend his deepest condolences to family and friends of those killed and injured in the crash.
“The tragic loss of so many lives in a bus crash last night in the Hunter is nothing short of heartbreaking,” the Premier said.
“To those injured and those who have lost loved ones – the thoughts of our state are with you.
“For this horrific crash to have occurred on a day that should have been filled with love and happiness only adds to the heartbreak.
“Thank you to every single emergency services worker who has responded to this tragedy and who continue to support this community,” he said.
The driver of the bus, Maitland man, Brett Andrew Button, 58, will face court today charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving (occasioning death).
