On December 16, 2021, a tragic incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania, claimed the lives of six children and left three others seriously injured. The tragedy occurred when a sudden dust devil lifted a jumping castle into the air, leading to a fatal fall. This event has sparked ongoing calls for stricter regulations in the inflatable amusement device industry, with families and former operators urging for change.
The incident made international headlines and led to immediate bans on jumping castles in Tasmanian state schools and on public land. Russ Jackson, owner of Russ Jackson’s House of Bounce, was operating at a different school when he was informed of the tragedy. “The principal came out and said we had to let everything down, pack it up, there’d been an incident at Hillcrest,” Mr. Jackson recounted. Since then, his business has not operated, reflecting the broader impact on the industry.
Legal Proceedings and Calls for Reform
The families of the victims have been navigating the court system for over three years, seeking justice and clarity. A criminal case against the jumping castle’s owner, Rosemary Gamble, concluded with a not guilty verdict. Magistrate Robert Webster ruled that the circumstances were unforeseeable, stating, “Ms Gamble could have done more or taken further steps… however, given the effects of the unforeseen and unforeseeable dust devil, had she done so, that would sadly have made no difference to the ultimate outcome.”
Despite the verdict, the families are calling on the coroner to recommend changes to the law at an upcoming inquest. Lawyer Dimi Ioannou, representing the families, emphasized the need for strengthened standards to prevent future tragedies. “They want to ensure that no other family endures this pain that these poor families are encountering every single day,” she said.
The Role of Australian Standards
The legal proceedings highlighted the complexities of the Australian Standards for inflatable amusement devices. These guidelines, while intended to ensure safety, are not legally binding. Expert witnesses during the hearing disagreed on their interpretation, with Magistrate Webster noting their complexity and ambiguity. This has fueled calls for these standards to be enshrined in law, providing a clearer framework for operators.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
The Hillcrest tragedy has had a profound impact on the inflatable amusement industry. Following the incident, Tasmania’s Department of Education banned jumping castles on public school grounds, a move echoed by other states and territories. Mr. Jackson, whose business was directly affected, noted the financial strain, citing doubled insurance premiums and a collapse in demand. “I couldn’t really see a way out of all this,” he lamented.
Charitable organizations like The Fairy Godmothers have also been impacted, facing increased insurance costs for their fundraising activities. Katrina Tabart, the charity’s treasurer, described the premium hike as “quite dramatic,” making it unsustainable for occasional use. “Unaffordable, for something we’d only use twice a month,” she noted.
Community and Operator Sentiments
Despite the tragedy, there remains a desire among some parents for their children to enjoy the experience of jumping castles. Both Mr. Jackson and Ms. Tabart expressed hope for the industry’s revival, contingent on improved regulations. “I feel for the kids that always looked forward to the end of school break ups with the jumping castles, slides and rides,” Mr. Jackson said, highlighting the cultural significance of these events.
Ms. Tabart added, “It’s impacted all kids’ entertainment. It’s not just the jumping castles.” Both operators believe that clearer regulations could pave the way for a safer and more viable future for the industry.
Looking Ahead
As the community awaits the coroner’s inquest, the push for regulatory reform continues. The coroner’s court has indicated that preparations for the inquest are resuming, with a case management conference to be scheduled. While it remains unclear if jumping castle regulations will be directly addressed, the families and operators hope for recommendations that will prevent future tragedies.
The Hillcrest tragedy has left an indelible mark on the community and the wider industry. As the legal and regulatory processes unfold, the call for change remains a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the need for improved safety measures.
