July 27, 2020
Almost 50 people gathered near Wondai Airport on Sunday to mark the 30th anniversary of the South Burnett’s worst civilian aviation disaster.
On July 26, 1990, a Beech King Air turboprop aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Wondai Airport, killing the pilot and four of the passengers, and badly injuring a fifth who was thrown clear of the plane on impact.
The accident rocked the close-knit Wondai community, and community members erected a memorial to the victims at the crash site not long afterwards.
On Sunday, relatives of the crash victims joined with surviving first responders who attended the accident three decades ago to reflect on the tragedy and its aftermath.
The commemoration service was jointly organised by Winston Burrows and Ros Heit, and was compered by Pastor Cam Rub from the Highway Christian Church.
The day’s proceedings began with a Welcome To Country delivered by Eric Law AM, who reflected on the unchanging nature of the land and the importance that caring for it held for all Australians.
This care for the land extended to caring for the welfare of other people. He said this was a central feature of Indigenous culture and had also become a hallmark of Australian culture in general.
Pastor Rub then welcomed the guests, which included surviving relatives of the victims and representatives from the police, fire brigade and SES – some of whom had attended the accident when it occurred – as well as Dr Patrick Lip and representatives from Wondai Hospital who had provided medical attention to the sole survivor.
After this, Winston Burrows recounted his memories of the fateful night and the effects the accident had on first responders and the community in general.
He was followed by Isobel Ferrier, daughter of businessman David Ferrier who was killed in the crash.
Isobel thanked everyone who had assisted at the accident scene 30 years ago, and the Wondai community in general for establishing a memorial and holding Sunday’s commemoration service.
“Wondai has shown us extraordinary kindness and support,” Isobel said.
“You’ve reminded us that the things which unite us are always greater than the things that divide us, and we appreciate this very much.”
Afterwards, about 30 guests returned to the Wondai Diggers Club for refreshments.
- Related article: Wondai Tragedy Won’t Be Forgotten
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