Exford Primary School bus crash
Steve McGHIE (Melton) (10:22): This week is the first anniversary of the Exford school bus crash, when Exford, Eynesbury, Melton and Parwan residents faced one of the most challenging events to have taken place in their community. Last month a joint awards ceremony was held for the first responders, as well as Victoria Police, to recognise their efforts, along with certificates of appreciation for the paramedics. When the alarms were sounded following the news that a local school bus packed with 46 children had collided with a truck, the rescue operation began, with all local fire brigades, including the SES and fire rescue services, responding, along with non-emergency crews. Many of the local responding members were faced with the unthinkable challenge that one of their children may have been on the bus. Despite this, the first responders, police and paramedics dealt with the intensity and emotional challenges that lay ahead with the utmost professionalism and expertise required. Thankfully there were no fatalities, but the physical and emotional injuries were laid bare.
The leadership and the strength each of the responders showed was testament to their training. They just showed up and did their job. Enough cannot be said for the tradies and bystanders who were there straight after the impact, and the bus driver Graham, who made sure the bus was safe following the impact whilst injured himself. All the school staff attended the scene, providing immediate support. We remember their bravery today and the crucial support they provided to emergency services. The courage of our first responders in such a harrowing situation is often overlooked, but their actions on this day will forever be remembered by the children, the school and the community. I want to extend my best wishes to all involved and the school community in total.