Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday, at 3.33 pm Adelaide time, the City of Salisbury held a minute of silence. The solemn occasion they were marking was the collision that occurred between The Ghan and a number of vehicles, including a public bus, at the Salisbury interchange level crossing on 24 October 2002—20 years and one day ago. This tragedy claimed four lives and has negatively impacted many others, whether they be the families of those who were involved or lost their lives, the witnesses to this horrific incident or the first responders.

The Salisbury interchange level crossing is located along Park Terrace, a five-minute walk from my electorate office in Spence. In the wake of this great tragedy came great community togetherness. The Salisbury Train Crash Disaster Appeal Committee was soon established to raise funds to help the families of those impacted with expenses such as funeral costs. Residents dug deep, raising $30,000 to support this aim. Funds were also provided to commission a permanent memorial for the accident, made possible through grant funding provided to council by the South Australian Passenger Transport Board. I'm advised the sculpture designed by local South Australian artist Dave Clarke resembles a floral wreath, with four columns representing the lives lost that day—a touching tribute. We will remember them.