03/10/2026
Yesterday was a dark day for our Wallsend community.
What started as a celebratory event, cheering on our team as they headed to their biggest game in 25 years very quickly turned into fear and frustration.
I have had many thoughts and feelings about the event that took place, one brief moment of stupidity and recklessness that will profoundly change the lives of so many people is deeply upsetting to me. I will have more to say about the situation no doubt.
However, I’m choosing to think of the victims first and foremost.
I’m extremely pleased to hear that the 5 year old girl who was originally described as being in a critical condition is now being diagnosed as stable.
At least 4 of the victims have already been released from hospital. This is the best possible outcome for a horrific situation.
Of course, the victims are more than just those who were hit by the car.
I’m aware that there were dozens of witnesses to the incident, many of them children. These witnesses will be traumatised by this and may carry it with them all their lives.
The first responders, police, ambulance crews and fire and rescue crews will be impacted by what happened, as well as our hard working health staff at John Hunter Hospital.
I thank all these essential workers for their service and efforts.
Many witnesses administered first aid to those injured. I pass on my thanks to them too.
Even if you were not directly involved, you can still be impacted.
I’d encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help and support.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline Official: 1800 55 1800 for anyone aged 5–25
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 for men who need a chat or support.
NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511 for advice and connection to local mental health services.
13 Yarn: 13 92 76 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter.
Please be there for your mates and family. It’s ok to not be ok.
I also want to urge calm in our community.
I’ve seen a lot of anger online. I understand the frustration and anger but I urge you to be better.
The man who caused the crash has been arrested and last night was charged with 9 different very serious criminal charges.
He will be dealt with by the full force of the law.
His ethnicity has absolutely nothing to do with the crime that has occurred.
Racism is not welcome in our community and I won’t tolerate it and will call it out.
I’m aware of some Go Fund Me groups being set up to help support the victims. I’m trying to verify their authenticity before I share them but I will do so very soon.
Take care and please look out for each other.
We are a community that is better served when we stand together and support each other, rather than allowing division to fracture us.
