Wollondilly Shire Council Mayor, Matt Gould has expressed his profound sadness at the loss of five young lives in a horror crash in Buxton, 100km south west of Sydney this week.
In a live television interview this morning, Mayor Gould said Council was working with local health staff to provide counselling services to all those affected by the tragedy.
“It’s just heartbreaking. It’s devastating. It’s really difficult to put into words the grief that is being felt at the moment,” the Mayor said.
“To lose so many young people so suddenly in a community as tight knit as ours is devastating, which is why it is so important that we look after each other and we pull together and make sure that everyone in our community has the support that they need as they process this.”
Five teenagers were killed when a ute being driven by an 18-year-old P-plater slammed into a tree at around 8pm on Tuesday.
Council is today hosting a community bbq as part of RU OK? Day activities.
“We’re inviting community to get free breakfast and have a chat,” said Mayor Gould.
“We will get through this. There’s going to be a few difficult weeks ahead,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved, the Picton High School and Buxton communities and the emergency responders who dealt with this heartbreaking scene.”
Council is working with South West Sydney Local Health District to co-ordinate counselling and mental health services from the Buxton Community Hall.
“They will be working with Community Links Wellbeing to provide a coordinated approach to identify and respond to the community’s needs at this difficult time. If you would like support, head to the hall today or call Community Links Wellbeing on 4683 2776,” Council said in a statement.
