The community of the Hunter Valley is still coming to terms with the scale of tragedy inflicted by Sunday’s bush crash that claimed the lives of 10 people and hospitalised dozens.
The scars will run deep for the community of Singleton, who have lost seven of their own after a fairytale wedding turned to heartbreak, while friends, family and clubs are continuing to post tributes to their loved ones.
Alex Tigani, the deputy editor of the Hunter River Times, who was MC at the wedding and was on the bus that crashed, issued a community alert on Tuesday warning people against donating to fake GoFundMe pages.
Here are official places you can donate to support the recovery.
The Singleton Roosters Australian Football Club
The Singleton Roosters committee has set up a GoFundMe for distribution to those who have been affected by the crash.
“Our committee and club members aim to raise as much as we can to help the families with ongoing costs associated with this horrific event,” it wrote.
“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and love towards all who are suffering.”
Many of the wedding guests, including the couple, were strongly associated with the local football club, which surpassed its $100,000 donations goal overnight.
Singleton Sunrise Rotary Club
Rotary Australia World Community Services has rushed to establish a fundraising channel to support survivors, victims and their immediate families via the local branch of the club.
The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, said he will donate $100,000 from his discretionary fund to the appeal, which will be jointly run by the state government.
“When tragic events like this occur, it’s the Australian way to reach out and support one another,” said Minns, who visited the town on Wednesday.
“I know many people are looking at ways to support the families affected by this heartbreaking accident, and I encourage people to donate directly through the website – it’s the quickest way to get funds to those who need them most.”
The mayor of Singleton, Sue Moore, said ripples of the accident were being felt across the community as people came to terms with the scale of loss.
“I know the people of Singleton are big-hearted and generous, and this fund is a straightforward way that people can show their support and know that the help will go directly to those that need it,” she said.
Tax-deductible donations can be made via a special channel on the RAWCS website.
Emergency services
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) was on the scene to assist emergency services alongside police, traffic and highway patrol, and paramedics.
To make a donation to the local volunteer brigade, head to the RFS website.
Mental health services
Hunter New England Health has opened two crisis management centres at Singleton and Cessnock which will remain open for the next week. They are being staffed by disaster responders, senior mental health clinicians and support services.
Lifeline is also offering face-to-face counselling services without appointments in Newcastle, Cessnock, Singleton, the Central Coast and Maitland.
Donations to Lifeline can be made on its website on a one-off or monthly basis to fund crisis support services.
If in need of assistance, Lifeline can be reached anytime on 13 11 14.
