Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (14:08):

on indulgence—I thank the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition for their kind words. I rise to address the tragic incident that occurred in my community on Sunday night, the tragic bus crash in Branxton-Greta, that has left us deeply saddened and shaken. My heart goes out to the victims, their families and all of those affected by this terrible event.

On Sunday night, shortly before midnight, a bus carrying 35 people overturned whilst approaching a roundabout on Wine Country Drive near the small towns of Branxton and Greta in my electorate. Ten of the bus passengers have passed away and 14 passengers are still currently in hospital, with two in intensive care. The passengers were travelling back to their accommodation, having just celebrated a wedding.

Loss of life is always painful, but the abruptness of this event makes this tragedy particularly shocking and difficult to process. First and foremost, I want to offer a huge thank you to the first responders who attended the crash site on Sunday night. They arrived at a confronting scene and worked hard into the night to save lives and minimise injuries. They are heroes. I would like to thank the New South Wales ambulance, the Branxton Greta Fire and Rescue New South Wales team and the police officers from across the Hunter Valley Police District, as well as many other first responders who attended the scene on Sunday night. I would also like to thank staff at the hospitals across the Hunter and New South Wales who are caring for the hospitalised. You are not only in the minds of the people across the Hunter but also those of people across the entire nation.

Our community is in the early stages of grieving, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragic event. Either directly or indirectly, we are all impacted by this tragedy. Being a wedding, victims of this bus crash were not just from the Hunter; victims came from all other parts of Australia as well. The grieving is not just happening in my electorate but all over this country. The outpouring of support from across Australia is a tremendous resource for everyone affected. We know that we are not alone, and I would like to thank all of my friends in this place from both sides of the chamber who have reached out to me over the last few days. We know we are in the thoughts and prayers of so many people. My office has received offers of accommodation, transport and other practical resources for the loved ones of victims who have had to make their way up to the Hunter and the hospitals in the wider area.

One of the many things that makes the Hunter special is that we are a tightknit community, and events like this bring us even closer together. This event has brought out the best in our community. I am so grateful to see that; it's a source of comfort for so many. But this is a tough time for everyone; it's okay not to be okay, and support is available for you if you need it. Local emergency management committees for Singleton council and Cessnock City Council have been set up, and these committees have support resources available, including drop-in clinics staffed with mental health workers. If you're any having trouble getting access to any of the support you need, another option is just to reach out to my office. Please do not hesitate to ask for support if you need it. We'll get through this together. As a community, we'll mourn, undoubtedly, the lives we have lost, but we must strive to heal and rebuild. As a community, we will come together and support one another during this difficult time. Whether it will be through organising counselling services, fundraising efforts or simply just being there for each other, we can provide strength and solidarity in need to overcome this tragedy.

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the lives that were lost. Let us remember the victims with love and respect, and honour their memory by committing ourselves to creating a safer and more compassionate community. Together, we can emerge from the dark of this moment stronger and more united than ever before. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the victims of this terrible event. No words can adequately convey the pain and grief you are all experiencing right now. Please know that our community stands beside you in this time of immense sorrow, and we offer our support in any way we can. By looking out for each other and by coming together we will be okay.

In memory of the victims, please take the time today to call loved ones who are far away, to hug someone that you love and remember just how precious life is. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

The SPEAKER: As a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives, I ask all present to rise in their places.

Honourable members having stood in their places—