Three men who died in the Currowan Bushfire crisis will always be remembered and loved, the NSW Bushfires Coronial Inquiry was told today [Wednesday, September 29].
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Messages from family, friends and first responders were read at the hearing - all three are greatly missed.
Yatte Yattah residents Laurie Andrews, 70, and John Butler (Senior), 75, along with Sussex Inlet man Michael Campbell, 69, all lost their lives on December 31, 2019 when Black Summer hit the South Coast.
The Currowan part of the Coronial Inquiry concluded with some powerful and beautiful family statements.
Counsel assisting the Coronial Inquiry, Donna Ward, had the opportunity to read out the messages.
"It's unusual even in this jurisdiction on your honor for three family statements to be given in consecutive order, particularly in circumstances where the deceased were not related to each other," Ms Ward said
"Whilst there is much sadness in the statements that follow there is also much love."
The hearing was told Mr Campbell lived in Sussex Inlet for many years on a bush block. He was father to three children. His family and friends are still struggling with the aftermath of his death.
Ms Ward took time to mention the efforts of the first responders who arrived at the the scene of Mr Campbell's death
"Your honor will be impressed by the kindness and the respect Senior Constable Brendan Keenan demonstrated at the scene," Ms Ward said
She then read out a statement provided John 'But' Butler's family which included a photographic display.
Many of Mr Butler's photos showed him with a family member.
"But grew up in Conjola on a farm - he loved horses and became an accomplished bush-horsemen," Ms Ward said.
"But he had a jovial and friendly disposition with a cheeky sense of humor which endeared him to many."
Mr Butler was known for wearing his favourite back Akubra hat around the district and would regularly go to the Milton bakery for a coffee and treat.
"John was familiar with the nature of bushfires in the area," Ms Ward told the hearing.
"John's family described December 31 2019 as 'our black day'."
Family and friends went to look for 'But' that night but they could not find him. When he was found, Mr Butler was still wearing his iconic hat. He was summed up as being a "lovable larrikin".
Lawrence Andrews was known as Laurie by many people, including the many friends he made He loved the Conjola area but loved his family more.
"Laurie loved his family above all else - family was most important to him. He gave love support and held without question whenever it was needed," Ms Ward said
The photos of Mr Andrews that appeared at the hearing with his grandchildren showed his deep love of family.
"His family remember him for his bravery," Ms Ward continued.
In 2005 Mr Andrews received a bravery medal for rescuing two children from the water in the Conjola entrance. He balanced two children on either shoulder and got them back to shore safely. Mr Andrews also loved the surf, football and music
"Laurie would help anyone who needed it," Ms Ward read from the statement
"He is forever missed and forever loved by his family."
The families were thanked for providing such beautiful words about the loved ones.
The Coronial Inquiry's focus now turns to the North Black Range Fire [Queanbeyan-Palarang].
The State Coroner of New South Wales will be conducting a series of coronial inquests and inquiries relating to the 2019-20 NSW bushfire season.
There were 11,774 fires across NSW during the 2019-20 bushfire season which ran from July 2019 until March 2020. Twenty-five people died in relation to the fires.
The immense loss this represents to their families, friends and communities is acknowledged and will be remembered during the course of these hearings.
