One year on: Hillcrest community continues to grieve

Chair of the Hillcrest affected area recovery committee (HAARC), Lauchland Avery, is working with the community to offer continued mental health support for families of victims and the Tasmanian town of Devonport.

"We're trying to work out how to engage the community, some people don't want to talk about it," the former police commander said.

Tragedy struck the Tasmanian town of Devonport on December 16, 2021, when a 'mini-tornado' lifted a jumping castle and zorb balls from the Hillcrest primary school oval dropping the children from a height of 10 metres.

Three children survived the accident but the lives of Jalailah Jayne-Maree jones (12), Chace Harrison (11), Addison Stewart (11), Jye Sheehan (12), Zane Mellor (12), Peter Dodt (12) were lost after the incident on December 16, 2021.

The six children were remembered at their funerals last year as bright and promising young people, full of creativity and passion.

Mr Avery said HAARC is offering mental health resources to a community still struggling with the tragedy.

"If community members want to reach out, we'll find them some assistance," he said.

"We're here and we're trying."

The recovery committee has established a website and survey to gauge community needs but have found public forums drew a small audience.

The former police commander said the recovery committee is working to balance the, sometimes conflicting, needs of grieving families.

"We're trying to engage with the community but we're also conscious of respecting the directly affected families," he said.

"it can be a very delicate balancing act."

IN OTHER NEWS:

HAARC plans to unveil a long-term memorial to the children when a consensus on the design is reached, a park, garden or permanent sculpture are under consideration.

The committee plans to remain in Devonport for at least one more year while recovery continues. Mr Avery realises his work is far from finished.

"People should be allowed to go through these emotions and a lot of community members are in the initial stages trying to accept it," he said.

A memorial will be held in Devonport's Market Square on Thursday evening where community members are invited to leave a message or flower to honour the victims of the tragedy.

If you are in need of someone to talk to, there is support available:

Lifeline 131114

Kids help line 1800 551 800

A Tasmanian Lifeline 1800 98 44 34

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636