Devonport Mayor, Annette Rockliff, has spoken out following yesterday’s jumping castle tragedy that claimed that lives of five children at a primary school in northern Tasmania.
Mayor Rockliff said the Hillcrest Primary School tragedy was difficult to process and would undoubtedly rock the close-knit community for a long time.
“Our hearts are broken – there are no words to be honest,” Mayor Rockliff said.
“As Mayor my heart aches for my community, as a mother and a grandmother, I am rocked to the core.
“What should have been a day full of fun and celebration for the last day of the school year, has ended in an unimaginable way.”
The school was celebrating the last day of school when a gust of wind reportedly picked up a jumping castle on the school grounds and threw it into the air.
The children are believed to have fallen from a height of approximately 10 metres onto the school oval.
Mayor Rockliff said Council will look for practical ways to help the Hillcrest Primary community into the future.
“While we can’t take away the anguish this part of our community is currently going through, we will be there in any way that we can,” she said.
“I encourage us all to be there for each other, to offer support to your friends, your family, your neighbours, who are having a hard time processing the enormity of this situation.
“And to those who have been affected in any way, our hearts are with you.”
She said Council would fly the Australian flag at half-mast as a sign of mourning with its community.
If you or someone you know needs any support during this difficult time there are a range of 24-hour support services available:
- Lifeline: 13 11 44.
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800.
- Mental Health Helpline: 1800 332 388.
- Beyond Blue Support Service: 1300 224 636 (24-hour helpline).
