Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Several of the 14 survivors accommodated in Ayr, with Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort (left) and Ayr Police Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Lisa Shields (right). Photo credit: Jacob Casha.
Survivors of the Gumlu bus rollover, which gained national attention earlier this year, have sent a ‘touching’ letter of gratitude to the Burdekin community for its compassion in the aftermath of the fatal crash.
Tragedy struck in May when a FlixBus heading from Cairns to the Whitsundays rolled off the Bruce Highway, claiming one life and leaving dozens injured and stranded.
The incident prompted an immediate, triple-pronged response from the Burdekin community, with emergency services, Burdekin Shire Council officials and the local community rallying to coordinate emergency relief and accommodation to the shaken passengers.
14 survivors stayed in Ayr overnight and were then cared for at the Burdekin Theatre loft the following day, provided with meals and medication before continuing their travels south.
Survivors lauded the Burdekin community's response at the time, particularly thanking Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort for her assistance.
Months later, several of them have joined forces to reaffirm their gratitude, sending a card to Council Chambers containing heartfelt messages of thanks to the community.
Among messages was one from Swedish traveller Anton, which read: “The circumstances were horrendous and it’s going to take a lot of time to process it, of course. Somehow, though, you made me feel at least a little bit at home in Ayr … [and] did what you could. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!”
Another message from Chilean natives Hernan and Barbara said: “We want to thank all the people from Ayr … In a moment we felt so alone, you were the one to hold us and protect us, making sure we had all the necessary support. We hope there are more people like you in the world.”
Mayor Dalle Cort said the card was a “thoughtful gesture that meant a lot to everyone involved.”
“Receiving the card from the Gumlu bus crash survivors was incredibly touching and greatly appreciated,” she said.
“We are proud of the way our community came together to support those affected, and it's heartening to know that support made a difference during such a difficult time.
“This message of gratitude really belongs to the entire Burdekin community.”
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