On Thursday 18 January 2024 Lithgow City Council welcomed first-responders and volunteers in the local Police, Ambulance and emergency services for a service at the Civic Ballroom in recognition of their committed response to the multi-vehicle accident on the Great Western Highway, Wallerawang on 29 December 2023.
In attendance were The Hon Ryan Park, NSW Minister for Health and Paul Toole MP, Member for Bathurst, David Dutton, Acting Commissioner NSW Ambulance, David Noble, Commander Chifley Police Command, and Brett McFadden Assistant Commissioner Highway Patrol.
The Minister for Health spoke of the close community support which is a characteristic of Regional New South Wales and the importance of ensuring that frontline and emergency workers have access to strong mental health care. Local member Paul Toole also highlighted the impact that these events have on regional communities and the importance of emergency services personnel across the district and how critical they are to our local communities.
The service featured messages of support and hope from Lithgow City Council Mayor Maree Statham who said, "On behalf of the council staff and the broader community, we extend our unwavering gratitude to all of you who were there on the frontline of this devastating accident".
The service concluded with local Baptist Pastor Nathaniel Hanslow offering words of prayer for those impacted by the crash. Local singers Jenny Hoye and Mary Grace also each sang a song during the service.
