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Jumping castle operator in court over Hillcrest tragedy

A jumping castle operator who was charged over the 2021 <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/children-killed-in-hillcrest-tragedy-identified-amid-overwhelming-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hillcrest Primary School tragedy</a> is expected to face court for the first time. Six children, Peter Dodt, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart and Chace Harrison, were killed when the inflatable castle was lifted into the air on December 2021. The students were enjoying the end-of-year celebrations with their classmates on the oval of the school in Devonport in Tasmania's northwest, when the tragic incident occurred. Rosemary Anne Gamble, the operator who worked for Taz-Zorb - the company who supplied and set up the castle - was charged in November after failing to comply with workplace health and safety requirements. It is alleged that the castle was tethered at four of its eight anchorage points and the pegs recommended by the manufacturer, or a suitable alternative, weren't installed properly. According to court documents, seven students were on the castle when it became dislodged and airborne due to a "significant" weather event, causing them to fall from a height of about 10 metres. A few others were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/heartbreaking-detail-as-mother-of-jumping-castle-victim-speaks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> injured, with one nearby student being struck by the blower attached to the castle. It is alleged that Gamble failed to ensure the anchorage system was sufficient to prevent the castle from lifting, and failed to ensure there were pegs at each anchor point as per the manufacturer's instructions. It is also alleged that Gamble failed to provide adequate information, including manufacturer's operating manual to the two workers she was in charge of at the time. She is expected to face the Devonport Magistrates Court for the first time on Friday. Preparations for the coronial <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/update-on-inquest-into-hillcrest-primary-deaths" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inquest</a> was put on hold because of the criminal charges. Image: Twitter/ ABC News

Legal

Devastating update on investigation into Hillcrest Primary School deaths

An inquest into the tragedy that unfolded at Hillcrest Primary School has hit an unexpected hurdle, as WorkSafe Tasmania is refusing to release the findings of their investigation. The devastating incident unfolded in December 2021 when <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/just-shattering-outpouring-of-grief-after-fatal-primary-school-incident" target="_blank" rel="noopener">six children died</a> after a jumping castle was blown into the air during an end-of-year celebration at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania. As the inquest into the incident was due to proceed to determine what caused the accident, it was revealed in a pre-inquest hearing on Tuesday morning that WorkSafe Tasmania will continue to refuse to provide its report because it believes it will prejudice "any potential prosecutions" under work, health and safety laws. Coroner Olivia McTaggart said the decision was "unfortunate" and the inquest was adjourned pending an appeal in the Supreme Court in April. Ms McTaggart went on to say that because she did not have access to expert opinions and engineer reports, she could not properly investigate. "They are crucial to issues such as causation," she said. "In the absence of that material, the inquest cannot proceed." Sam Thompson, who was representing WorkSafe Tasmania, told the coroner the decision to not disclose the report was "most regrettable". He said an initial investigation into the tragedy had been completed, saying, "[It] is large and has been referred to the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions]." He said a second "supplementary investigation" was ongoing and in its early stages, adding that not disclosing the report findings was for the "importance of protection". The coroner and lawyers representing families of the children will appeal to have the WorkSafe documents released in order for the inquest to proceed. Image credits: Twitter

Legal

Update on inquest into Hillcrest Primary deaths

A joint public inquest will be held into the deaths of all six children in Tasmania’s Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy as a matter of priority, according to a coroner. The <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/children-killed-in-hillcrest-tragedy-identified-amid-overwhelming-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">six students from Year 5 and 6</a> died after an inflatable jumping castle they were playing on was lifted in the air in <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/just-shattering-outpouring-of-grief-after-fatal-primary-school-incident" target="_blank" rel="noopener">December last year</a>, with witnesses watching as children fell from a height of about 10 metres. In the nearly six months since, Coroner Olivia McTaggert has overseen the investigation into the incident and says a “very large amount of investigative work” has already taken place. Evidence is still being gathered, with the coroner recently being provided with evidence as part of the Tasmania Police investigation that includes eyewitness accounts and evidence from WorkSafe Tasmania relating to the jumping castle business, equipment, and set-up due to be received shortly, as reported by the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-09/tas-hillcrest-jumping-castle-tragedy-inquests-to-be-held-jointly/101138866" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a>. “A very large amount of investigative work has taken place already, with the coroner holding regular meetings with members of the investigation teams,” a statement from the state’s Coronial Division reads. “When the evidence in the investigation is complete, the coroner will consider retaining relevant experts.” It is likely that experts will be asked to provide reports around the weather conditions on the day, as well as scientific or engineering reports. “It is hoped that all evidence, including all necessary expert opinion, will be received within the coming months,” the statement reads. “Unfortunately, it is very difficult to provide precise time frames for completion of the investigation.” Though the specific date of the inquest will “depend on various factors”, the coroner said she will “give priority to scheduling the inquest as soon as reasonably possible”. Since the tragedy, the Department of Education has banned the use of jumping castles across Tasmanian schools. Image: Twitter

Caring

Touching scenes at sorrowful farewell for Hillcrest victim

Image: Pinegrove Funerals Zane Mellor, one of the victims of the Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle incident in Tasmania's north, has been remembered in Devonport as a loving teenager and a passionate gamer. The 12-year-old was one of six students killed last Thursday while celebrating the last day of school, when a gust of wind lifted a jumping castle and some zorb balls into the air, causing children to fall from a height of about 10 metres. Two children remain in hospital a week after the incident but have been moved out of intensive care. At the service, at Pinegrove Funerals in Devonport, Zane's casket was draped in his PlayStation console, controllers and a poster of one of his favourite games. Speakers spoke fondly of his love of the hobby and other gamer friends he played with all over the world sent in messages of condolences. Officiator Tracey Bruce said Zane had some challenges in life with "both ADHD and autism". "But these quirks made him the character he was and certainly didn't stand in his way," she said. "He also had a love of animals, he was the chicken whisperer, the cat whisperer, and his support dog Peanut the dachshund was very loved," she said. Ms Bruce said Zane enjoyed spending time with his family. "Zane was kind, loving and caring to his little brothers and sisters until they got to around the age of five, then it turned into your typical sibling love-hate relationship," she said. "As a young boy he liked to head off on adventures and exploring with his dad. "His pop also told me that Zane had a fascination with hammering nails and cutting wood with a handsaw. "He was intrigued about building and Zane may have followed this path as he got older." Zane's mother, Georgie Mellor, gave a tearful tribute to her son, recalling his first breath and how he was always there for her as a young mum. "I was so young when I had you — only 15 — and now I know why," she said. Zane had twin passions — dinosaurs and gaming — which combined to form his online player name Jurassic Zane. Ms Mellor said her son "knew every dinosaur name" and "exactly what period they came from". He was said to have often corrected family members about the pronunciations. She said she spoiled her son rotten "and I have no regrets". "Everyone told me to get you off that PlayStation, but I let you play until your heart was content, until your eyes got sleepy and you fell asleep," she said. "I would come in, take your headset off, turn the PlayStation off and kiss your head goodnight. "The past year you have grown into a man that finally grew his wings. "I love you Zane, no matter what the weather, we're together. I love you Zane," she finished. At the end of the funeral Zane's casket was carried to the waiting hearse, and mourners, led by close family members, walked behind it as it left the funeral home.

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Hillcrest survivor speaks publicly for first time

A survivor of the tragic jumping castle tragedy that <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/just-shattering-outpouring-of-grief-after-fatal-primary-school-incident" target="_blank">shook the town of Devonport, Tasmania last week</a> has spoken publicly for the first time since the ordeal. 12-year-old Beau Medcraft broke both of his arms and shattered his wrist when a gust of wind sent the jumping castle he was on 10 metres into the air at end of year celebrations at Hillcrest Primary School. He was one of nine students injured in the accident, while <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/children-killed-in-hillcrest-tragedy-identified-amid-overwhelming-support" target="_blank">six of his friends</a> tragically died. Two children remain in hospital. In a video sent to country-rock musician Casey Barnes, Beau expressed his gratitude to the community for their messages of support. Sitting on a couch, with both arms in plaster, his right arm in a sling, and wearing Casey Barnes merch, Beau said, “Thanks for all the support and all the awesome people that commented. "I watched your video again and thought it was very nice.” Beau's dad also commented on the post, writing, "From beaus parents Hello to each and everyone thank you, your awesome an your comments are being heard and lifting his spirit as Beau reads through the comments and tells me who says this or says that with the biggest smile 😊 so from both me and his mum I wanted to say thank you for your kind heartfelt messages and words of encouragement to our boy Beau ❤️" <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCaseyBarnesOfficial%2Fvideos%2F1612545862412810%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> Commenters were quick to send Beau well wishes, with one person writing, “I know it's hard right now but things will get better,” and another commenting, “Love and a million wishes for a speedy recovery Beau. All of Tassie is behind you.” Barnes grew up in Tasmania and went to college in Devonport, and promised to organise “something special” for Beau and his family in the new year. Beau’s video comes as the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/hillcrestprimary?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer" target="_blank">fundraiser for families affected by the tragedy</a> cracks the $1.4 million mark. The GoFundMe page will soon be shut down, as the money is rolled into a new public fund that will be coordinated by Devonport Council and the Tasmanian government, in order to ensure transparency. At a council meeting on Monday, Devonport councillor Alison Jarmin said, “I know there’s some angst about what is going to happen to these funds and how they are going to be administered. “We going to be making sure it goes to the right places and goes to the families and doesn’t get lost in governance and bureaucracy.” Devonport local and creator of the GoFundMe, Zoe Smith, said she was in awe at people’s generosity, telling reporters over the weekend, "It's just beyond anything we could have thought possible. “People should just be so proud of themselves and the amount that they have donated. It's incredible.” Image: Facebook

Caring

Police begin heart-wrenching task at Hillcrest Primary

Just four days after the tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School that claimed the lives of six children, speciality police have arrived in Tasmania to help the investigation. After being flown down from New South Wales, the specialty officers will help interview many of the young witnesses of the jumping castle incident, in the hopes to piece together what caused the tragedy to occur. Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said extra resources were needed given the large number of young and vulnerable witnesses. Approximately 40 students had attended the end of year celebrations, when a strong gust of wind sent a jumping castle flying 10 metres into the air. Police officers, along with WorkSafe Tasmania, are investigating the cause of the incident and will report directly to the coroner. “The ongoing coronial investigation is not something we can comment on,” Mr Higgins told reporters. “We’ll methodically work through the circumstances of it. The lead-up, what happened at the time and afterwards.” As well as the additional police officers, the federal government announced $800,000 will be made available to fund trauma counselling for the community and first responders. The news of reinforcement comes just days after a sixth child died in hospital from injuries he sustained during the heart-breaking incident. Chace Harrison, 11, died in hospital on Sunday, as two other children remain in critical condition in Royal Hobart Hospital. Tributes have flown for Chace online, with his basketball club, the Devonport Warriors, sharing how much Chace meant to the community. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBasketballAustralia%2Fposts%2F462641058555992&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="649" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to our little Warrior, Chace,” his club posted on Facebook. “(To) all your extended family we wrap you in our hearts and offer you our support in these most heart shattering of times. To all who have been affected by this tragedy, we walk with you in your sorrow. “Chace, seek out a basketball court, lit up by the stars and keep shooting those hoops!” Image credits: Twitter @MonteBovill - ABC News Tasmania

Legal

PM sparks furore after visiting Hillcrest Primary School to pay respects

Image: Twitter / Monte Boville Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s tribute to the young victims of Tasmania’s jumping castle tragedy has taken a perhaps predictable turn, with critics Australia wide questioning his motives. Mr Morrison and wife Jenny visited Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport on Saturday afternoon, two days after a freak weather event sent a jumping castle airborne during an end-of-school celebration. Six lives were lost and two children were left critically injured. The couple laid flowers and a touching note, knelt for a minute’s silence and spent time reading other tributes to Addison Stewart, 11, Zane Mellor, 12, Jye Sheehan, 12, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12 and Peter Dodt, 12. On Sunday afternoon, it was revealed that a sixth victim, Chace Harrison, 11, had also died. After the Morrisons’ visit, it didn’t take long for criticisms to come flying through on social media channels, though many defended the “entirely appropriate” act. Taking to Twitter on Saturday afternoon, former Wallaby and veteran journalist Peter FitzSimons questioned the appropriateness of the PM’s visit. “To me this seems to be more a matter for the Governor-General to arrive expressing the nation’s grief and shock, rather than the PM?” he posted. Former Labor Senator Doug Cameron also weighed in, claiming Mr Morrison had turned a press conference announcing funding support for those impacted by the tragedy “into a partisan political advert for Liberal politicians”. Everyday Aussies were also quick to slam the PM after Tasmanian ABC reporter Monte Bovill shared a snap of the Morrisons at the site, with one Twitter user claiming the leader was “not one to miss a photo opportunity” and accusing him of “turning tragedy into a public relations exercise”. However, the furore sparked a wider conversation about whether the criticism was unfair, with veteran entertainment reporter Peter Ford arguing Mr Morrison was in a hopeless position, and that “the same people would be on the attack if he didn’t” visit the site to pay his respects. Hitting back at FitzSimons’ comments, claiming they were a “bit odd” given he had “previously sung the praises of Jacinda Ardern for her compassion and care during times of tragedy in NZ”, including the aftermath of the Christchurch massacre. Other prominent Australians also leapt to Mr Morrison’s defence, with former TV personality and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas dismissing the criticism as “ridiculous” and arguing the site visit was the “right thing for the Prime Minister to do”. Former Howard government minister and Sky News host Gary Hardgrave also spoke out, posting that it was “most appropriate for Scott Morrison and Mrs Morrison to be there”. A string of reporters on the scene also defended the Morrisons, including Bovill. “For everyone replying to this. You weren’t there. There was no media opportunity, no political or campaign announcements in the northwest. The media were already at the school,” he posted. “You are using this to fit your own narrative...kids died and you make this about politics?” 7 News’ Nick McCallum agreed, saying that: “Prime Minister and Mrs Morrison’s visit to Hillcrest Primary was entirely appropriate. It was respectful … low key … showed emotions we all feel. No-one we spoke to in Devonport, including victims’ families, indicated they had any problem with it”

News

Heartbreaking detail as mother of jumping castle victim speaks

The mother of one of the children who died in the jumping castle tragedy has revealed that she has been separated from her son for almost a year because of border closures. Miranda McLaughlin, mother of 11-year-old Peter Dodt who tragically died in <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/children-killed-in-hillcrest-tragedy-identified-amid-overwhelming-support" target="_blank">last week’s jumping castle accident</a> at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania, revealed in an interview that she was finally able to see her son and two daughters last week after almost a year apart. Ms McLaughlin travelled to Tasmania from her home in Adelaide to visit her children, who live with their father, after the state reopened its border to fully vaccinated domestic travellers. Ms McLaughlin told the Daily Mail, “Peter was full of life, always making people smile with his antics. His heart was bigger than the world. Words cannot explain what a beautiful soul he was or the loss we feel without him, forever in our hearts.” Peter was killed in the accident along with classmates Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart and Chace Harrison. Two children are still in hospital, while one is recovering at home. Chace passed away in hospital over the weekend, with Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutewin telling reporters, “I am certain all Tasmanians share with me a deep sadness and heartache that young Chace Harrison, another child involved in this terrible tragedy, has now passed away. “I know that our community, which is so connected, will be deeply saddened, for the family involved and indeed all the families of the now six children who have lost their lives.” Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said the investigation into the incident, conducted in conjunction with WorkSafe Tasmania, was ongoing, and would take some time. He told reporters on Sunday, “We are working tirelessly with all parties concerned to ensure the extensive investigation is completed as a matter of priority for the coroner. “Their priority will be to interview all witnesses, gather and analyse forensic evidence at all in biomedical aspects including weather patterns and conditions of the time of this incident.” Tasmanian Police have accepted an offer of help from NSW Police, and four forensic child interviewers will travel to Devonport over the coming days in order to assist in interviewing the traumatised children who were present on the day. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Sunday that $800,000 will be made available for first responders and members of the community to receive trauma counselling. Over a million dollars has also been raised in the community to support those in mourning. Image: Tasmania Police

News

Children killed in Hillcrest tragedy identified amid overwhelming support

Image: GoFundMe Tributes from all over the world are pouring in as people have dug deep to support the victims and their families following the horrific jumping castle tragedy in Tasmania that has killed five children and critically injured several more. Zoe Smith, who describes herself as “a local girl who grew up in Devonport”, said she started a GoFundMe fundraising page despite not knowing any of the children killed or injured. An overwhelming number of donations have been lodged so far, with more than $250,000 raised in less than 24 hours – and the total is continuing to rise quickly in the wake of such a tragic incident. Police say a “significant local wind event” contributed to the jumping castle flying more than 10 metres into the air as students from Hillcrest Primary School gathered to celebrate the end of the school year. It’s unknown at this stage how many children were on the jumping castle at the time, or how it was anchored down. Messages of condolence are flowing in for two of the students who have been identified among the dead, with separate GoFundMe pages set up for them. They were named as Grade Six students Zane and Addison. Addison’s aunt wrote that she “was always such a sweet kind, old soul.” “My niece was tragically taken in the accident at Hillcrest Primary. I’m hoping to raise some money for my brother and sister in-law to help pay for funeral costs and to pay off some bills for them while they try and navigate life without their precious daughter,” she wrote. “They have another daughter and son to take care of and I’m hoping to alleviate some of the stress of bills.” Ms Smith said set up her fundraiser because she was “moved by the tragedy” like many other Australians and wanted to do something “to support the families throughout Christmas”. “All funds will go to the families of the children who were tragically killed and injured to not only support them but provide them with much needed gifts in this time of such sadness,” she said. “All the funds will be donated to the school and the Parents and Friends committee to be distributed to the families affected!” “Any donation is much appreciated and hopefully we as the incredible community of Devonport can rally to support such deserving and hurting people,” Ms Smith said. Support has been put in place for the school community, including school counsellors and chaplains for use over the holiday period. In an interview on The Project, Mayor Annette Rockcliff said she had met the students only last week after visiting the primary school. “I did meet all of those children last week, I was in their classroom for an hour or so, so it’s tough to think about that”, she said, looking visibly upset. Police officers who responded to the scene were visible distressed by what they saw. “These children were meant to be celebrating their last day of primary school, instead we’re all mourning their loss,” Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said. “Emergency services were called to the scene around 10 am this morning after a wind gust had reportedly caused the jumping castle and inflatable zorb balls to lift into the air.” “Our thoughts are also with those emergency services personnel who attended to try and save these people’s lives,” he said. Investigations are underway into the incident, with involvement from WorkSafe Tasmania. Mr Hine said that investigation could take “quite some time”. You can donate to the GoFundMe <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/hillcrestprimary?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet">here</a>.

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Jumping castle operator in court over Hillcrest tragedy

Devastating update on investigation into Hillcrest Primary School deaths

Update on inquest into Hillcrest Primary deaths

Touching scenes at sorrowful farewell for Hillcrest victim

Hillcrest survivor speaks publicly for first time

Police begin heart-wrenching task at Hillcrest Primary

PM sparks furore after visiting Hillcrest Primary School to pay respects

Heartbreaking detail as mother of jumping castle victim speaks

Children killed in Hillcrest tragedy identified amid overwhelming support

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