In the early hours of December 22, 1989 two coaches travelling in opposite directions along the Pacific Highway collided at Clybucca Flat, 12 kilometres north of Kempsey.
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The horrific accident remains the worst road accident in Australia, with 35 people killed and a further 41 injured.
For many local first responders who attended the scene, the hospital staff, ambulance crews and the families of the 35 people who lost their lives, December 22 1989 is never far from their minds.
A memorial service was held at the Clybucca Memorial Garden yesterday to commemorate the accident on the 30th anniversary.
President of the Kempsey Lions Club, Ray Walkden, said the service was a quiet opportunity for people who were and still are impacted by the accident to reflect and remember.
"There were a lot of people there who were first responders and people who survived the accident as well as relatives of those who were lost," he said.
"For a lot of people it was the first time they had been reunited with others who were there.
"It was a quiet day to reflect and remember."
Around 200 people attended the service and reconnected with others who were involved in the accident 30 years ago.
"Jen Cramond, who was 12 at the time, spoke with the police officer who drove her to the hospital after the accident. It was moments like this and connections between people which highlighted the importance of the memorial service.
"We've all changed over the 30 years, but to be able to reconnect again was important and special."
For Ray, who was the duty officer at the Volunteer Rescue Association in 1989, the 30th anniversary was also a time for his own reflection.
"It was a very emotional day, I think for everyone who was there yesterday. It's something you would never forget and it's important to remember the people who lost their lives," he said.
"It was a gathering of people to remember what happened 30 years ago. I would like to thank all of the people who attended the service yesterday."
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