Motion – Hillcrest Tragedy
Ms WEBB (Nelson) – Mr President, I rise to join my colleagues in supporting this motion and expressing my deep condolences to the families of the children whose lives were lost in the tragic incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport on 16 December 2021.
This is a time where no matter how hard we search for them, words will never be enough to convey our thoughts and feelings. The events of that day have left an indelible mark, an unthinkable depth of pain and sorrow, that must be felt by the families of the children who lost their lives and by so many throughout the Hillcrest community, throughout our state and by those loved ones who are outside Tasmania.
Where words fail us, please know that the love and care in our hearts knows no bounds. We cannot take away the pain of this loss. Please know that all of us will continue to hold you in our hearts, our thoughts and our arms. Together we mourn the loss with you. Six precious Tassie kids: Peter Dodt, Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jones, Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan and Addison Stewart. We honour their lives, today and into the future. We know their memory will be cherished by so many and that their loss will be felt forever.
I also acknowledge today the children who were significantly injured during this incident, including Declean Brown and Beau Medcraft. We hold them and their families in our thoughts and hearts, and wish them well for a speedy recovery.
I also acknowledge the first responders, the teachers and school-based staff, the health professionals and the community members who responded on the day of the tragedy with bravery, strength and care. Thank you to all those who acted in response and provided support through an unthinkable set of circumstances. No doubt it has taken a toll on all of you. I hope you have been comforted and supported, and will continue to be so.
I pay tribute to the extraordinarily close-knit community of the north-west, where we have seen such a sharing of grief and a rallying of support. I acknowledge those who continue to support the families, friends and community through these difficult times. Again, I offer my deepest condolences and extend my love and support to the families, their loved ones, the students, the staff and the Hillcrest community who have been touched by this tragedy.
