Shocked and saddened: Community still reeling 12 months after Bochara crash

A car with five people on board was travelling along Wannon-Nigretta Falls Road at Bochara when the driver lost control and smashed into a tree.

Two females and two males died at the scene and a fifth passenger, a 17-year-old girl, suffered upper body injuries.

In the days following the accident, counsellors were brought to Hamilton to offer support to people - young and old - shocked and saddened by the deaths.

After the crash, one family paid tribute to their son in a bid to get the message about road safety out while urging young people to seek help for mental health.

Matt and Lee Ann Elmes told ACM they wanted to support people who had been affected by the deaths.

Their son Josh lost his life in the crash.

Mrs Elmes has since revealed plans for a youth centre for Hamilton.

She hopes it will serve as a safe space 24-7 following the tragic crash in 2023.

Mrs Elmes said while temporary counselling services were set up following the crash, it was good to have a permanent space for youth.

"It was great to have them for a small amount of time but when they left it was hard for the rest of the youth," Mrs Elmes.

"I saw lots of Joshua's friends were stranded, they didn't know what to do."

She said helping others was something her son did while dealing with his own mental health.

"I think he would be happy I'm trying to help the youth," Mrs Elmes said.