newy.com.au – Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has asked the NSW Government to urgently provide trauma counselling and mental health support for Hunter residents affected by Saturday’s crash into a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters.
Ten people were injured and taken to John Hunter Hospital after a car struck the crowd at the Transfield Drive roundabout on Newcastle Link Road, Wallsend, about 9.30am. Supporters had gathered to farewell the Knights ahead of the grand final.
Ms Hornery said she wrote to Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson on Tuesday morning, copying Premier Chris Minns and Hunter Minister Yasmin Catley, to seek a state led response. Her request included support for children who witnessed the crash.
She said she had spoken to locals who were there and was concerned about the emotional impact on witnesses, families and the wider community.
“There will be, and already is, significant trauma in our community,” she wrote in a Facebook post.
“You don’t need to have been a witness to have been emotionally affected. We are a tight community and many of us know personally, people who were hospitalised.”
In her letter, Ms Hornery sought assistance comparable to the mental health support provided after the Greta bus tragedy in 2023 and incidents in Bondi.
Ms Hornery also encouraged anyone needing immediate support to contact existing services. The NSW Mental Health Line is available on 1800 011 511 for advice and connection to mental health services.
Lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Kids Helpline is available on 1800 55 1800 for people aged five to 25.
