The tight-knit NSW township of Picton has hosted the first of five funerals for teenagers killed in a devastating car crash.
Thursday's farewell service for Tyrese Bechard, 15, took place after he died alongside four school friends in a single-vehicle crash near the Wollondilly Shire village of Buxton, southwest of Sydney.
Three girls, two aged 14 and one 15, and two boys, 15 and 16, died when a Nissan Navarra ute spun out of control, smashing into a tree on September 6.
Driver Tyrell Edwards, 18, faced court last Thursday on five counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and was refused bail.
Wollondilly Shire Mayor Matt Gould was among the mourners on Thursday.
"It's been a very, very difficult day for the entire shire," he told AAP.
"A lot of people are really hurting and this is the first of the five funerals.
"We've got a difficult couple of days ahead of us."
The service was a celebration of the life of Tyrese, however mourners were also deeply distressed, Mr Gould said.
Crash victims Summer Williams, 14, Lily Van De Putte, 14, Gabby McLennan, 15, and Antonio Desisto, 16, will be farewelled over the coming days.
They all attended Picton High School and are being remembered with balloon and streamer tributes across the town, with colours dedicated to each teenager.
"We're asking people to put out balloons, or streamers or bunting, or something colourful, to show their condolences to the family," Mr Gould said.
The response to the "colours for the kids" initiative had been overwhelming, and the shire seemed to have sold out of balloons and streamers, the mayor said.
A Mayoral Relief fund has been established to offer financial support for the victims' families.
"Money can't bring them back ... but what it can do is allow (the families) to focus on their grief and not have to worry about some of the immediate financial challenges," he said.
Face-to-face learning at Picton High School been replaced with online learning for three days, so students can attend the funerals.
Usual classes will resume on Tuesday, an Education Department spokesperson said.
"For those students who need to attend school, there will be staff on-site.
"Counselling support continues for students, staff and the community. This will remain in place for as long as it is required."
Staff from nearby schools who also want to attend the funerals were being helped by the department.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
