Two years on, a father's pain and plea: fix the 'death trap' that killed my son
Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley.
Ten people were killed and 25 others injured.
Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close.
"I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said.
"Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW.
"I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son."
In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash.
He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm.
Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck.
Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives.
Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap".
"This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said.
"The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap.
"We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters."
A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail.
The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders.
Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care.
"The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said.
"Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it.
"The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?"
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout.
Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night".
"I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said.
"I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year.
"I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage."
Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter.
"This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said.
"Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them.
"I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could."
Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time.
Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember.
"As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said.
"Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects."
Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly.
"Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said.
"My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always."
For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief.
Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son.
TWO years. 10 lives. Immeasurable grief.
Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley.
Ten people were killed and 25 others injured.
Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close.
"I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said.
"Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW.
"I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son."
In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash.
He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm.
Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck.
Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives.
Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap".
"This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said.
"The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap.
"We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters."
A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail.
The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders.
Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care.
"The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said.
"Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it.
"The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?"
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout.
Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night".
"I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said.
"I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year.
"I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage."
Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter.
"This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said.
"Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them.
"I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could."
Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time.
Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember.
"As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said.
"Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects."
Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly.
"Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said.
"My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always."
For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief.
Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son.
TWO years. 10 lives. Immeasurable grief.
Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley.
Ten people were killed and 25 others injured.
Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close.
"I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said.
"Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW.
"I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son."
In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash.
He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm.
Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck.
Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives.
Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap".
"This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said.
"The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap.
"We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters."
A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail.
The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders.
Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care.
"The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said.
"Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it.
"The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?"
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout.
Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night".
"I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said.
"I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year.
"I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage."
Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter.
"This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said.
"Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them.
"I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could."
Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time.
Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember.
"As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said.
"Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects."
Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly.
"Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said.
"My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always."
For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief.
Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son.
TWO years. 10 lives. Immeasurable grief.
Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley.
Ten people were killed and 25 others injured.
Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close.
"I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said.
"Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW.
"I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son."
In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash.
He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm.
Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck.
Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives.
Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap".
"This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said.
"The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap.
"We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters."
A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail.
The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders.
Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care.
"The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said.
"Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it.
"The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?"
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout.
Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night".
"I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said.
"I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year.
"I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage."
Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter.
"This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said.
"Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them.
"I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could."
Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time.
Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember.
"As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said.
"Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects."
Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly.
"Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said.
"My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always."
For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief.
Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Chopper death crash pilot details lies to investigators
A pilot who survived a deadly helicopter crash has detailed lies he told investigators after deleting phone messages, saying he was in a "very bad way" at the time with life-changing injuries. Sebastian Robinson is a paraplegic after the crash in February 2022 that killed Outback Wrangler co-star Chris "Willow" Wilson in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Mr Robinson is giving evidence in the Supreme Court in Darwin at the trial of reality TV star Matt Wright, who has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Prosecutors allege the helicopter operator was worried crash investigators would discover flight-time meters were disconnected regularly to extend flying hours beyond official thresholds and paperwork was falsified. Mr Wilson fell to the ground from a sling beneath the chopper while collecting crocodile eggs in remote swampland. The aircraft then crashed, seriously injuring Mr Robinson who on Wednesday gave evidence by video link from his wheelchair. The jury heard 10 days after the crash Wright visited Mr Robinson while he was heavily sedated in hospital and asked him to manipulate flying hour records. Under questioning from senior defence counsel for Wright, David Edwardson KC, Mr Robinson admitted he had lied to Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators around the same time. Among the lies were that before the crash the helicopter was functioning well and he was busy with the role of maintenance controller at Wright's Helibrook company when in fact he held the position in name only. Mr Robinson admitted saying there had only been a spark plug issue with the helicopter when "there were many more problems with the aircraft". He said his condition hindered his proper judgment at the time. "I was in a very bad way." The 32-year-old told the jury on Tuesday he had fractures of his vertebrae, resulting in a complete severance of his spinal cord, rendering him a paraplegic. Both his lungs were punctured, his left elbow and ankles were fractured and he suffered a traumatic brain injury that still causes him cognition problems and mood swings. Mr Edwardson has previously alleged in the lead-up to the crash Mr Robinson was a cocaine-using "party animal" who was "hopeless" at flight record keeping. The court on Wednesday heard Mr Robinson had done contract work with Indigenous groups in Arnhem Land, including Aboriginal rangers. Under questioning by Mr Edwardson, Mr Robinson agreed it was "unforgivable" to supply alcohol or illegal drugs to Indigenous communities where liquor was banned. "There might have been the occasion I'd have a very small amount of alcohol under the seat of the helicopter, but I wasn't supplying a commercial amount," he said. The court heard Wright visited Mr Robinson in Royal Brisbane Hospital when he was heavily sedated with "tubes coming out of me everywhere". Crown prosecutor Jason Gullaci SC asked Mr Robinson what Wright had requested of him at his hospital bedside and he replied "to manipulate hours on my aircraft". "He asked if I would consider putting any of his hours, from his helicopter, onto my helicopter." The court was told Mr Robinson was being asked to put egg-collecting hours flown on Wright's crashed helicopter onto his helicopter, which was not fitted with equipment for egg collecting. Mr Robinson said he told Wright on a return visit the next day that "I didn't feel comfortable doing it". The court was told Mr Robinson was asked to fly egg-collecting missions in Arnhem Land, where COVID restrictions were in place, because Wright was an anti-vaxxer and could not enter the Indigenous territory. Jurors heard Wright visited Mr Robinson in hospital despite requirements to show a COVID vaccination certificate and having to complete a test for the virus. The charges against Wright do not relate to the cause of the accident and the prosecution does not allege he is responsible for either the crash, Mr Wilson's death or Mr Robinson's injuries. The trial continues. A pilot who survived a deadly helicopter crash has detailed lies he told investigators after deleting phone messages, saying he was in a "very bad way" at the time with life-changing injuries. Sebastian Robinson is a paraplegic after the crash in February 2022 that killed Outback Wrangler co-star Chris "Willow" Wilson in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Mr Robinson is giving evidence in the Supreme Court in Darwin at the trial of reality TV star Matt Wright, who has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Prosecutors allege the helicopter operator was worried crash investigators would discover flight-time meters were disconnected regularly to extend flying hours beyond official thresholds and paperwork was falsified. Mr Wilson fell to the ground from a sling beneath the chopper while collecting crocodile eggs in remote swampland. The aircraft then crashed, seriously injuring Mr Robinson who on Wednesday gave evidence by video link from his wheelchair. The jury heard 10 days after the crash Wright visited Mr Robinson while he was heavily sedated in hospital and asked him to manipulate flying hour records. Under questioning from senior defence counsel for Wright, David Edwardson KC, Mr Robinson admitted he had lied to Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators around the same time. Among the lies were that before the crash the helicopter was functioning well and he was busy with the role of maintenance controller at Wright's Helibrook company when in fact he held the position in name only. Mr Robinson admitted saying there had only been a spark plug issue with the helicopter when "there were many more problems with the aircraft". He said his condition hindered his proper judgment at the time. "I was in a very bad way." The 32-year-old told the jury on Tuesday he had fractures of his vertebrae, resulting in a complete severance of his spinal cord, rendering him a paraplegic. Both his lungs were punctured, his left elbow and ankles were fractured and he suffered a traumatic brain injury that still causes him cognition problems and mood swings. Mr Edwardson has previously alleged in the lead-up to the crash Mr Robinson was a cocaine-using "party animal" who was "hopeless" at flight record keeping. The court on Wednesday heard Mr Robinson had done contract work with Indigenous groups in Arnhem Land, including Aboriginal rangers. Under questioning by Mr Edwardson, Mr Robinson agreed it was "unforgivable" to supply alcohol or illegal drugs to Indigenous communities where liquor was banned. "There might have been the occasion I'd have a very small amount of alcohol under the seat of the helicopter, but I wasn't supplying a commercial amount," he said. The court heard Wright visited Mr Robinson in Royal Brisbane Hospital when he was heavily sedated with "tubes coming out of me everywhere". Crown prosecutor Jason Gullaci SC asked Mr Robinson what Wright had requested of him at his hospital bedside and he replied "to manipulate hours on my aircraft". "He asked if I would consider putting any of his hours, from his helicopter, onto my helicopter." The court was told Mr Robinson was being asked to put egg-collecting hours flown on Wright's crashed helicopter onto his helicopter, which was not fitted with equipment for egg collecting. Mr Robinson said he told Wright on a return visit the next day that "I didn't feel comfortable doing it". The court was told Mr Robinson was asked to fly egg-collecting missions in Arnhem Land, where COVID restrictions were in place, because Wright was an anti-vaxxer and could not enter the Indigenous territory. Jurors heard Wright visited Mr Robinson in hospital despite requirements to show a COVID vaccination certificate and having to complete a test for the virus. The charges against Wright do not relate to the cause of the accident and the prosecution does not allege he is responsible for either the crash, Mr Wilson's death or Mr Robinson's injuries. The trial continues. A pilot who survived a deadly helicopter crash has detailed lies he told investigators after deleting phone messages, saying he was in a "very bad way" at the time with life-changing injuries. Sebastian Robinson is a paraplegic after the crash in February 2022 that killed Outback Wrangler co-star Chris "Willow" Wilson in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Mr Robinson is giving evidence in the Supreme Court in Darwin at the trial of reality TV star Matt Wright, who has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Prosecutors allege the helicopter operator was worried crash investigators would discover flight-time meters were disconnected regularly to extend flying hours beyond official thresholds and paperwork was falsified. Mr Wilson fell to the ground from a sling beneath the chopper while collecting crocodile eggs in remote swampland. The aircraft then crashed, seriously injuring Mr Robinson who on Wednesday gave evidence by video link from his wheelchair. The jury heard 10 days after the crash Wright visited Mr Robinson while he was heavily sedated in hospital and asked him to manipulate flying hour records. Under questioning from senior defence counsel for Wright, David Edwardson KC, Mr Robinson admitted he had lied to Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators around the same time. Among the lies were that before the crash the helicopter was functioning well and he was busy with the role of maintenance controller at Wright's Helibrook company when in fact he held the position in name only. Mr Robinson admitted saying there had only been a spark plug issue with the helicopter when "there were many more problems with the aircraft". He said his condition hindered his proper judgment at the time. "I was in a very bad way." The 32-year-old told the jury on Tuesday he had fractures of his vertebrae, resulting in a complete severance of his spinal cord, rendering him a paraplegic. Both his lungs were punctured, his left elbow and ankles were fractured and he suffered a traumatic brain injury that still causes him cognition problems and mood swings. Mr Edwardson has previously alleged in the lead-up to the crash Mr Robinson was a cocaine-using "party animal" who was "hopeless" at flight record keeping. The court on Wednesday heard Mr Robinson had done contract work with Indigenous groups in Arnhem Land, including Aboriginal rangers. Under questioning by Mr Edwardson, Mr Robinson agreed it was "unforgivable" to supply alcohol or illegal drugs to Indigenous communities where liquor was banned. "There might have been the occasion I'd have a very small amount of alcohol under the seat of the helicopter, but I wasn't supplying a commercial amount," he said. The court heard Wright visited Mr Robinson in Royal Brisbane Hospital when he was heavily sedated with "tubes coming out of me everywhere". Crown prosecutor Jason Gullaci SC asked Mr Robinson what Wright had requested of him at his hospital bedside and he replied "to manipulate hours on my aircraft". "He asked if I would consider putting any of his hours, from his helicopter, onto my helicopter." The court was told Mr Robinson was being asked to put egg-collecting hours flown on Wright's crashed helicopter onto his helicopter, which was not fitted with equipment for egg collecting. Mr Robinson said he told Wright on a return visit the next day that "I didn't feel comfortable doing it". The court was told Mr Robinson was asked to fly egg-collecting missions in Arnhem Land, where COVID restrictions were in place, because Wright was an anti-vaxxer and could not enter the Indigenous territory. Jurors heard Wright visited Mr Robinson in hospital despite requirements to show a COVID vaccination certificate and having to complete a test for the virus. The charges against Wright do not relate to the cause of the accident and the prosecution does not allege he is responsible for either the crash, Mr Wilson's death or Mr Robinson's injuries. The trial continues. A pilot who survived a deadly helicopter crash has detailed lies he told investigators after deleting phone messages, saying he was in a "very bad way" at the time with life-changing injuries. Sebastian Robinson is a paraplegic after the crash in February 2022 that killed Outback Wrangler co-star Chris "Willow" Wilson in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Mr Robinson is giving evidence in the Supreme Court in Darwin at the trial of reality TV star Matt Wright, who has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Prosecutors allege the helicopter operator was worried crash investigators would discover flight-time meters were disconnected regularly to extend flying hours beyond official thresholds and paperwork was falsified. Mr Wilson fell to the ground from a sling beneath the chopper while collecting crocodile eggs in remote swampland. The aircraft then crashed, seriously injuring Mr Robinson who on Wednesday gave evidence by video link from his wheelchair. The jury heard 10 days after the crash Wright visited Mr Robinson while he was heavily sedated in hospital and asked him to manipulate flying hour records. Under questioning from senior defence counsel for Wright, David Edwardson KC, Mr Robinson admitted he had lied to Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators around the same time. Among the lies were that before the crash the helicopter was functioning well and he was busy with the role of maintenance controller at Wright's Helibrook company when in fact he held the position in name only. Mr Robinson admitted saying there had only been a spark plug issue with the helicopter when "there were many more problems with the aircraft". He said his condition hindered his proper judgment at the time. "I was in a very bad way." The 32-year-old told the jury on Tuesday he had fractures of his vertebrae, resulting in a complete severance of his spinal cord, rendering him a paraplegic. Both his lungs were punctured, his left elbow and ankles were fractured and he suffered a traumatic brain injury that still causes him cognition problems and mood swings. Mr Edwardson has previously alleged in the lead-up to the crash Mr Robinson was a cocaine-using "party animal" who was "hopeless" at flight record keeping. The court on Wednesday heard Mr Robinson had done contract work with Indigenous groups in Arnhem Land, including Aboriginal rangers. Under questioning by Mr Edwardson, Mr Robinson agreed it was "unforgivable" to supply alcohol or illegal drugs to Indigenous communities where liquor was banned. "There might have been the occasion I'd have a very small amount of alcohol under the seat of the helicopter, but I wasn't supplying a commercial amount," he said. The court heard Wright visited Mr Robinson in Royal Brisbane Hospital when he was heavily sedated with "tubes coming out of me everywhere". Crown prosecutor Jason Gullaci SC asked Mr Robinson what Wright had requested of him at his hospital bedside and he replied "to manipulate hours on my aircraft". "He asked if I would consider putting any of his hours, from his helicopter, onto my helicopter." The court was told Mr Robinson was being asked to put egg-collecting hours flown on Wright's crashed helicopter onto his helicopter, which was not fitted with equipment for egg collecting. Mr Robinson said he told Wright on a return visit the next day that "I didn't feel comfortable doing it". The court was told Mr Robinson was asked to fly egg-collecting missions in Arnhem Land, where COVID restrictions were in place, because Wright was an anti-vaxxer and could not enter the Indigenous territory. Jurors heard Wright visited Mr Robinson in hospital despite requirements to show a COVID vaccination certificate and having to complete a test for the virus. The charges against Wright do not relate to the cause of the accident and the prosecution does not allege he is responsible for either the crash, Mr Wilson's death or Mr Robinson's injuries. The trial continues.
Sydney Morning Herald
8 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘You need a garbage bag': Messages reveal couple joked about dirty money, ICAC hears
A former NSW transport department officer has broken down in tears recounting numerous attempts to return thousands of dollars of cash kickbacks she received from the alleged mastermind of the scandal engulfing the government agency, saying she felt uncomfortable and did not want the 'improper money' from her romantic partner. Katya Wang, a former Transport for NSW program governance and reporting officer, admitted her romantic partner and colleague Ibrahim Helmy gave her $6000 in cash benefits that he received from contractors, which she kept at home in a red envelope. The Independent Commission Against Corruption heard they began a romantic relationship in 2018, a few months after Wang started working at the government agency, which lasted more than six years until September 2024. She confessed to an ICAC inquiry on Tuesday she had detailed knowledge of his arrangements and assisted on multiple occasions with his schemes. Wang broke down crying when she told the inquiry on Wednesday she was 'uncomfortable each time' Helmy gave her $1000 in cash kickbacks. The 31-year-old said she made numerous attempts to return the $6000 throughout their relationship, detailing one instance where she snuck the red envelope in Helmy's bag, which he later found and slid back under her door. 'I didn't want the cash, I didn't need money. It was improper money … He just wouldn't take it back, he just said it's for you,' she told the inquiry. 'Because I kept trying to give it back, he didn't give me any more bundles of cash.' Helmy, 38, is accused of pocketing $11.5 million in kickbacks – including bundles of cash, gold bullion and cryptocurrency – over 15 years from nine contractors in return for them being awarded work.
The Age
8 hours ago
- The Age
‘You need a garbage bag': Messages reveal couple joked about dirty money, ICAC hears
A former NSW transport department officer has broken down in tears recounting numerous attempts to return thousands of dollars of cash kickbacks she received from the alleged mastermind of the scandal engulfing the government agency, saying she felt uncomfortable and did not want the 'improper money' from her romantic partner. Katya Wang, a former Transport for NSW program governance and reporting officer, admitted her romantic partner and colleague Ibrahim Helmy gave her $6000 in cash benefits that he received from contractors, which she kept at home in a red envelope. The Independent Commission Against Corruption heard they began a romantic relationship in 2018, a few months after Wang started working at the government agency, which lasted more than six years until September 2024. She confessed to an ICAC inquiry on Tuesday she had detailed knowledge of his arrangements and assisted on multiple occasions with his schemes. Wang broke down crying when she told the inquiry on Wednesday she was 'uncomfortable each time' Helmy gave her $1000 in cash kickbacks. The 31-year-old said she made numerous attempts to return the $6000 throughout their relationship, detailing one instance where she snuck the red envelope in Helmy's bag, which he later found and slid back under her door. 'I didn't want the cash, I didn't need money. It was improper money … He just wouldn't take it back, he just said it's for you,' she told the inquiry. 'Because I kept trying to give it back, he didn't give me any more bundles of cash.' Helmy, 38, is accused of pocketing $11.5 million in kickbacks – including bundles of cash, gold bullion and cryptocurrency – over 15 years from nine contractors in return for them being awarded work.
