Police, civilians honoured for courage and service after Greta bus crash

newy.com.au – A combined 98 police officers and civilians were recognised in the Hunter Valley on Tuesday for their response to the 2023 Greta bus crash, one of the deadliest road transport disasters in recent Australian history.

Seventy-three police officers, 23 civilian staff and two members of the public received awards at a ceremony at Singleton Civic Centre, recognising their courage, professionalism and compassion after the crash on Wine Country Drive near the Hunter Expressway off-ramp at Greta.

Awards presented included the NSW Police Force Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage, Commendation for Service, Certificate of Merit and the Commissioner’s Unit Citation.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 11.30pm on Sunday, 11 June 2023, after a charter coach returning from a wedding overturned at a roundabout in a catastrophic single-vehicle collision.

Ten people died and 25 others were seriously injured. Passengers were taken by road and air to hospitals in Maitland, Newcastle and Sydney as emergency responders from multiple agencies worked through the night in confronting conditions.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM said the ceremony honoured those who responded in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

“Today we pause to remember the lives lost in the Greta bus crash and to recognise the extraordinary efforts of those who responded with courage, compassion and professionalism,” Commissioner Lanyon said.

“Their actions exemplify the very best of public service and humanity.”

Commissioner Lanyon also paid tribute to four people who were first on the scene, with two of them attending the service to receive the Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage.

“They did not hesitate. They rendered aid, comforted the injured and provided critical support until emergency services arrived,” he said.

“Their actions undoubtedly saved lives that night and are a powerful reminder of the selflessness people are capable of.”

Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Waddell APM, said the response reflected the strength of coordinated emergency and community efforts.

“The response was marked by professionalism, selflessness and teamwork across multiple agencies and the community,” Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.

“Today’s awards acknowledge both individual acts of bravery and the collective effort that ensured victims received care, families were supported, and a community was held together during its darkest hours.

“Your bravery, compassion and commitment have made an indelible difference in the lives of others.”