Daylesford and the wider community are preparing to come together to mark the anniversary of last November’s tragic car crash that claimed the lives of five people.

The upcoming commemoration, marking one year since the tragic incident, is being held at 9am next Tuesday, November 5, outside Dayleford’s Royal Hotel, near the site of last November’s tragedy.

On November 5 last year, just after 6pm, a car driven by diabetic William Swale crashed into the then beer garden area, killing Point Cook lawyer and volunteer, 44-year-old Pratibha Sharma, her 9-year-old daughter Anvi and 30-year-old husband Jatin Kumar, and also Vivek Bhatia, 38, and his 11-year-old son Vihaan.

Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas says that next Tuesday the community is gathering not only to remember those lost but to support one another through the healing process. 

“This tragedy has forever changed our community, but it has also brought us closer, showing the power of unity, compassion, and resilience,” he said.  

The tragedy deeply shook the community and region, leaving a lasting impact. Next Tuesday’s commemoration will be a solemn occasion to acknowledge the profound loss felt by families and friends while also recognising the strength and compassion that the community has displayed over the past year.  

“This gathering serves as a reminder that the bonds of community can provide comfort and support even in times of immense tragedy,” Mr Thomas said. 

The commemoration will take place outside the Royal Hotel Daylesford at 9am. Members of the public are welcome to attend.  

The town’s Albert Street will be blocked to traffic between Howe Street and Duke Street from 8am to 10am, during the commemorative community event.

A magistrate has discharged the charges against the 66-year-old accused of culpable driving following the tragic deaths of five people in Daylesford last November.

William Swale, 66, had been charged with culpable driving causing death, negligently causing serious injury and reckless conduct endangering lives over the tragic November 5 crash.

But following a three-day committal proceedings hearing that began on Monday, Magistrate Guillaume Bailin has ruled the prosecution would be unable to convict Swale if the case were to go to a trial in the Supreme Court.

During the hearing in the Ballarat Magistrates Court, barrister defending Swale, Dermot Dann argued Swale’s brain function had been affected by a hypoglycemic episode at the time of the incident.

Mr Dann said evidence pointed to Swale having entered a severe hypoglycemic episode at least an hour before the crash, with his blood glucose levels reaching their lowest point in the immediate aftermath of the crash.

On November 5 last year Swale’s SUV mounted the kerb and hit several patrons seated on the front lawn of the Royal Daylesford Hotel just after 6pm.

Pratibha Sharma, 44, daughter Anvi, 9, partner Jatin Kumar, 30, their friend Vivek Bhatia, 38, and his son Vihaan, 11, all died.

A coronial investigation into the deaths remains ongoing.