November 5th, 2024Daylesford community marks one year since tragedy

A crowd of several hundred has come together this morning to commemorate the first year anniversary since the tragedy that claimed the lives of five people in Daylesford on November 5 last year.

Family members and loved ones of those who lost their lives when a car slammed into people in the then beer garden outside the town’s Royal Hotel were among those who attended today’s commemorative event.

Emergency service personnel, Hepburn Shire Council representatives including the CEO Bradley Thomas, and members of the wider community were among those who have gathered to remember and pay their respects.

Last month a court heard that driver, William Swale, 66, was in the midst of a diabetic episode when his SUV crashed into a crowd of people seated in the beer garden of the historic hotel, killing five people including two children.

Bradley Thomas, Hepburn Shire Council CEO: “Today’s commemoration paid respect to the profound loss experienced by many, but also the incredible courage showed on that day to be there for those in their suffering. Their compassion and care for those in need in those moments means more than any words or tributes could ever express.”

Words & Images: Donna Kelly