Dear Parents,

Sixty years ago St Michael's School was saddened by the news of a tragic School Bus accident that affected the Traralgon community. A school bus taking the country students from the Catholic Schools and Grey Street PS to the High School to transfer to their home buses, was involved in an accident with a Train at the Liddiard Road crossing. Consequently, 6 students and the bus driver lost their lives. Many more students were injured and spent time in hospital. The accident brought the whole town together including shutting down the local businesses for a day out of respect. Soon after the accident, their combined funeral service was presided over by Bishop Lyons at St Michael's. After the Mass the students of St Michael's and Kildare formed a guard of honour outside the Church whilst the St Paul's boys lined Grey Street as the 400 car procession made its way to the cemetery. Five students are buried in a communal grave near one of the Catholic Sections at the Traralgon Cemetery, whilst the sixth student is buried at Cowwarr. The bus driver was William Todd, aged 35 of Traralgon, and his grave is nearby at Traralgon Cemetery. 

The grave at the Cemetery was refurbished in 2002 and has again been refurbished and a new memorial attached. It will be unveiled and blessed on the 60th Anniversary of the accident. 

Traralgon Cemetery Trust are inviting families and community members to join them on Sunday 22nd March 2020 at 2:00pm at Gippsland Memorial Park at the refurbished grave, which will be blessed by Fr Francis followed by a gathering in the Oak Room for afternoon tea. 

ALL WELCOME

Please contact the Cemetery office on 5174 9071 for catering purposes.

Kind regards
Jodie