RECOMMENDATIONS by Coroner Clive Alsop that rental properties be subject to a safety inspection before occupancy have been welcomed by the mother of Tye Sunderland.
Five-year old Tye was killed when a brick facia wall collapsed on him in the family’s Sale rental home last October.
His mother Holly Sunderland had sat through the Coronial Inquiry, and been present in the Sale Court when Coroner Alsop delivered his findings and recommendations on Friday morning.
“It was quite a pleasing outcome for the Coroner to try to send the government agencies recommendations on (safety inspections for) rental properties,” she said.
Mrs Sunderland said while the recommendations would never replace her son’s life, they may help avert a similar tragedy.
“I don’t wish it on anyone,” she said, referring to the grief she and her family had suffered.
Mrs Sunderland said she was particularly grateful for the outpourings of support shown by the Sale community after the tragedy, thanking the many who had rallied to assist the bereaved family which included Tye’s sisters Crystal, Jasmine and Charmaine and their father Shane.
“Basically we would like to give our heartfelt thanks to the beautiful strangers who gave us meals, toys and support in hard times.”
“In particular the Salvation Army, Marsha Watts and Brett Woods and to UnitingCare Gippsland, St Vincent DePaul and P J Delahunty Funeral Services for their help, and a big thank you to Frank and Klara Jones.
“I said to Klara what a way to meet someone, but to know all these people is wonderful,” Mrs Sunderland said.
