Council thanks the community following tragedy

Published on 10 November 2023

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, has thanked the community for their support of one another following the tragic event that led to the death of five people and significant injuries to others in Daylesford last Sunday evening.

“The Hepburn Shire community sends our love and condolences to the families of the victims. There has been such an outpouring of public grief for those affected, with several hundred people attending vigils throughout the week to pay their respects,” said Cr Hood.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported others following this terrible event,” he said.

“There have been so many generous offers from the community. We will continue to work with local groups and agencies to develop a plan as to how we can best support our community and the families of the victims in the days, weeks and months to come.

“We want to do it respectfully and we ask for your patience while we work with the victims’ families and affected businesses to ensure we get it right.”

Council and other agencies have worked closely with those businesses directly impacted by the event.

“The community has really rallied around The Royal Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford Hotel and Winespeak Cellar + Deli, which were impacted so significantly by the tragedy but have now reopened,” said Cr Hood.

“We offer a reminder to be respectful of staff in these businesses at this time. Please assume that they do not want to discuss the event. We urge you to give them, and other business operators, some space,” he said.

“On behalf of Council I express my deep gratitude to the first responders, and staff from emergency service agencies and the many organisations that Council and Council staff have worked with following this tragedy. The collective response has been exceptional and very well received.

“Supporting one another is critical, and especially at this difficult time. I appreciate that people process grief differently, but I urge everyone affected to reach out and talk to someone. The trauma counselling support provided at 79 Raglan Street and by specially trained volunteers around town has played an important role in the coping and healing process.

“We know the impact of this tragedy will be with us for some time. Our strength is that we are a resilient and tight-knit community. I encourage you to continue to support each other, our community and local businesses in our beautiful region.”

Head to Health 1800 595212 www.headtohealth.gov.au.