When Eynesbury resident Loryn Clarke heard stories of locals rushing to help rescue children involved in the Exford Primary School bus crash, she was not surprised.
"The people here are just that way inclined," the founder of the Eynesbury Rotary Club said.
"As soon as they see a need, they react immediately and with full hearts."
Three days on from the tragedy that rocked the Exford and nearby Eynesbury community, west of Melbourne, many are still reeling.
Dozens of children had their lives turned upside down as they returned home from school when a truck hit the school bus from behind, flipping the vehicle on its side instantly.
Seven children sustained life threatening injuries, including limb amputations and spinal injuries.
Trapped onboard and pleading for their parents, the primary school children waited desperately as tradesmen worked to free them via the emergency skylight.
Moments later, scores of emergency service workers and school staff descended on the scene of shaken children, shattered glass and chaos.
"As a parent and a grandmother myself, my heart went out to those poor people whose children are so badly affected," Ms Clarke said.
Since then, ideas have come "flooding in", with ways the Rotary Club could make the families' lives easier.
Among them are plans for hospital parking to be funded by the club for parents visiting their children in hospital, gift boxes for teachers, and a fundraising barbecue at the local football club.
$100k donated for children's recovery
Property developer ResiMax has offered to donate $100,000 to help get the children impacted by the crash back in classrooms.
The company's community development manager, Ebbie Hungerford, described the sum as just a "little gesture".
"We are trying to do what we can … and we've been inundated with phone calls," she said.
" Everyone from all over the place wants to support and be a part of this.
"It really hits home with the meaning of community and community spirit."
Eynesbury Eagles Football Netball Club director Mark Heeney said he was expecting a major crowd at a community fundraising game to be held on Friday night, where proceeds from the bar will go towards Exford Primary School.
"It's blown us away really. There's been a lot of traction a lot of people have gotten onboard and we're expecting a huge crowd," he said.
"You really do see the best of everyone on display … it's very heartwarming."
Mr Heaney said two boys aged under 13 years of age were involved in the crash, one of whom has been released from hospital.
"Anyone's kids who live in Eynesbury, there's a fair chance they're on a bus, so when you hear [about a bus crash], you've got that initial panic," he said.
"Then finding out the details of what was happening, it was terrifying."
Bus driver 'deeply traumatised' by incident
The bus driver, who escaped with minor injuries, is recovering at home.
Meanwhile, the director of the bus company, Campbell Christian, said the driver was "deeply traumatised by the accident".
Mr Christian said the driver was a "private person" who had watched the children grow up over the years and was very affected by the accident.
"He has been transporting these children to and from school for several years and is extremely fond of them all," he said.
"We're extremely proud of the driver, the way he put so many others, particularly the students, ahead of his own wellbeing and safety."
Mr Christian said the man would receive counselling and support as he recovers.
The tip-truck driver involved in the accident, 49-year-old Jamie Gleeson, was charged with four counts of dangerous driving causing injury and was released on bail on Wednesday. He's expected to face court again in October.
Mr Gleeson, a father of two, called triple-0, helped rescue children from the bus and helped police.
His father, Richard Gleeson, said his son was devastated by the tragedy.
"He's pretty shattered. He's a pretty soft young fella, actually, and he cares a lot about people," he said.
"We just hope [the injured] recover and recover healthily and are able to go on with their lives."
Calls for seatbelt mandate in school buses
Asked if it was time for Victoria to mandate seatbelts on school buses, Premier Daniel Andrews said the government would consider if greater regulation was necessary once crash investigators made their findings.
The question came after rescuers said it was not clear if all school children had been wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
"A different and better system to keep our kids safe, that may well be something that comes out of this," Mr Andrews said.
"If there are [lessons] there, we absolutely stand ready to make change and to make sure we keep our kids safe."
Mr Andrews said he was proud of those who helped rescue children from the upturned bus.
"Tradies, teachers and all sorts of people … everyone did an amazing thing," he said.
"So often, in the worst of times, we see the best of people. I'm proud of them and I say thank you to them."
