Hillcrest jumping castle inquest date set almost five years after deadly event

A coronial inquest into the tragic incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport will commence in September, nearly five years after six children lost their lives and three others sustained serious injuries. The event occurred during end-of-year celebrations when a jumping castle was lifted into the air by an unexpected gust of wind.

Tasmanian coroner Olivia McTaggart has scheduled the first block of hearings to run for four days, commencing on September 21 at the Paranaple Centre in Devonport. Counsel assisting the coroner, Maree Norton SC, informed the court that the hearings will take place daily throughout the week, excluding the 24th. Evidence is anticipated to be provided by the mother of one of the deceased, Georgina Burt, along with representatives from Tasmania Police, Ambulance Tasmania, the health department, and a forensic pathologist.

The inquest had been delayed due to a concurrent criminal case, which concluded with Rosemary Anne Gamble, the owner of the business supplying the jumping castle, being found not guilty of negligence in her work health and safety responsibilities.