John Bowell was left stunned when he learned vandals had damaged the memorial garden for the six children who lost their lives in the train-bus accident in South Kempsey in 1968.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The former Kempsey Shire Council Mayor orchestrated the creation of the new memorial garden and worked alongside community members to begin the construction in August.
Plants were ripped out and stolen from the garden. A conifer plant, one of six in the garden, which represents one for each life lost in the tragedy, was stolen.
Mr Bowell was vividly distraught when discussing the matter with the Argus this morning.
“It has really upset me, we have done something as a community effort to remember these six kids and somebody comes along and heartless destroys it,” Mr Bowell said.
“These conifers mean much more than individual plants in the ground, they represent the children who lost their lives.”
While Mr Bowell was disappointed, he was adamant the garden would be fixed and completely finished prior to December 9 – the 50th anniversary since the tragedy.
The police have been notified of the incident and anyone with information should contact the police.
Also making the news: