THE memorial service for the 10th anniversary of the Kerang train disaster was an opportunity for the families of the 11 victims to share memories of their loved ones.
Julie McMonnies, who lost her husband Geoff and their daughter Rose in the crash, spoke of her incalculable grief and feeling of loss.
“Geoff was my childhood sweetheart, my best friend, a devoted and loving husband,” she said.
“Rose was a [talented athlete] who was dreaming big dreams about the future.”
Mrs McMonnies said it was only thanks to the support of others that her family had been able to endure the loss of their loved ones.
“Sharing our grief with our friends and our family has been our strength … we would not have survived the journey without you all, without your ongoing love, advice, friendship and support,” she said.
Mrs McMonnies also took time to thank all those who cared for the victims, including her daughter Sharise, who was grievously injured.
“Our thoughts and hearts go out to all those impacted by this event, those at the scene on the day and afterward who cared for the injured as emergency workers or innocent bystanders who willingly went into the chaos to assist.
“We know some of those people cared for Sharise and were responsible for saving her life and for that we are eternally grateful.”
The family of elderly victim Harold Long was represented by his granddaughter Vanessa Reid, who spoke about the lasting emotional toll of his death.
“It still haunts me to this day, every time I see a level crossing I close my eyes because I’m scared it’s going to happen again,” she said.
Ms Reid said it was some comfort to have her grandfather and the other victims memorialised by V/Line at the site of the crash.
“I wanted to say thank you to the people who have put that beautiful memorial up, it means a lot to us and the other families,” she said.
