Northern Territory: The family of Dion Robbins, who tragically drowned, have spoken of their loss
The tragedy unfolded on Saturday afternoon when Dion, an adventurous and happy child, used a stool to reach the backyard pool latch and let himself in to retrieve some toys.
Around 3:30pm, he was found unresponsive in the water. Despite CPR efforts by family, paramedics and Northern Territory police, Dion was pronounced dead at the scene.
His aunty, Lizzie Robbins, shared her family's grief with the
NT News
.
'Dion was the most caring and loving little boy... any room he walked into, he made people smile and laugh,' she said.
'He had the most infectious laugh and loved his baby brother endlessly. They were the two amigos — always getting into mischief together.'
Dion was just weeks away from celebrating his fourth birthday.
Sue Longstaff, another aunty of Dion's, has launched a
GoFundMe
campaign to help support the family during this devastating time.
'There are no words to describe the pain of his loss,' Ms Longstaff wrote.
'The family is understandably devastated and would be forever grateful for any support their local community might be in a position to provide so that little Dion can be laid to rest respectfully.'
The tragedy sent shockwaves through Palmerston, with the community fundraising over $4000 by Monday afternoon.
Ms Robbins extended her heartfelt thanks to those who have donated on behalf of Dion's parents, Chris Robbins and Amber Fennell.
'The family really appreciates the support they're getting at this trying time,' she said.
Dion's death comes amid alarming statistics on drowning in the Northern Territory.
According to Royal Life Saving Australia's 2024 report, the NT recorded the highest drowning rates per capita across both regional and metro areas in the country.
The Top End had the highest rate of any regional area — 6.06 per 100,000 — while Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield topped metro areas at 2.4 per 100,000.
While natural waterways account for the majority of drowning deaths in the NT, backyard pools still pose a significant danger to young children.
Since 2014, 28 per cent of the Territory's 68 drowning deaths have occurred in pools, with 37 per cent taking place in rivers and creeks.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
25-07-2025
- ABC News
Community raises more than $94,000 after 4yo Lua Valles-Garcia killed by falling palm tree in suburban Darwin
Community members have rallied around the family of a four-year-old girl who was killed by a falling palm tree in Darwin, with more than $94,000 donated to help them navigate "this time of profound grief". Lua Valles-Garcia was struck by the tree while playing in a yard in Tiwi, in the city's north, and died while being rushed to hospital on Saturday afternoon. The palm tree also struck an 11-year-old boy, who NT Police said sustained "non-life-threatening injuries". The four-year-old and her brother had been students at Milkwood Steiner School, where their mother, Soraya Valles-Garcia, worked as a year 1 teacher. Milkwood Steiner School principal Netanela Mizrahi launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Lua's family in the wake of the "tragic accident". "Funds raised here will support Soraya, Borja and Rio financially at this impossibly difficult time, to help them to be with family in Spain and for funeral arrangements." More than 660 donations have been made in less than a week, some people gifting as much as $2,000 each. Ms Mizrahi thanked "our loving community for your generosity", with 86 per cent of the $110,000 fundraising goal achieved as of Friday afternoon. "Nothing can change the devastating news, but every bit helps this family to be where they need to be at this time of profound grief," she said. "May her beautiful soul rest in peace and her family be surrounded by love, healing and care in this difficult time ahead. Alice Springs Steiner School also expressed sympathies and support for its "fellow Steiner School family", and said "in times of sorrow, the strength and compassion of our community shines brightest". In a social media post, the school said Lua's parents "wish to return to their homeland of Spain to be with extended family as they grieve and begin to heal".
Perth Now
23-07-2025
- Perth Now
Two babies saved from suburban blaze
Two babies have been dramatically saved as a fire in Perth's inner suburbs destroyed a family home. Firefighters found the house on Povey Place, Parmelia engulfed in flames when they arrived about 10.20am on Tuesday. It took approximately an hour to bring the fire under control. Two young boys – a toddler and an infant – were taken to Rockingham General Hospital for evaluation for smoke inhalation. Two young children have been dramatically saved as a fire in Perth's inner suburbs claimed a suburban home Nine News Credit: Supplied The cause of the fire was suspected to be an overloaded clothes dryer. '(The) women came on out with two or three children, screaming away saying 'get the fire brigade, get the fire brigade, we're on fire',' neighbour Mel Rhoden told 9 News. 'To see that and standing there not being able to do anything, it was terrible.' The family dog was also reportedly trapped inside the house throughout the ordeal however eventually managed to escape unharmed. The damage to the house was estimated to be more than half a million dollars making it a write-off. Fire and Emergency Services station officer John Sharp said the family were 'obviously in shock, but they've got a lot of family and support around them'. A GoFundMe page has since been created to help the family. 'Sadly today we lost our beloved family home due to a house fire,' organiser Nakita said. 'With this being said we have lost everything and just managed to walk away with the clothes on our backs and our babies in our arms. 'This has come as a big shock to our family as we are preparing to lay our beloved Dad and Pop to rest this Friday. 'All our funeral clothes and funeral supplies were also sadly lost.'
Perth Now
23-07-2025
- Perth Now
Two babies saved from house fire in Perth's inner suburbs
Two babies have been dramatically saved as a fire in Perth's inner suburbs destroyed a family home. Firefighters found the house on Povey Place, Parmelia engulfed in flames when they arrived about 10.20am on Tuesday. It took approximately an hour to bring the fire under control. Two young boys – a toddler and an infant – were taken to Rockingham General Hospital for evaluation for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was suspected to be an overloaded clothes dryer. '(The) women came on out with two or three children, screaming away saying 'get the fire brigade, get the fire brigade, we're on fire',' neighbour Mel Rhoden told a media outlet. Two young children have been dramatically saved as a fire in Perth's inner suburbs claimed a suburban home Nine News Credit: Supplied 'To see that and standing there not being able to do anything, it was terrible.' The family dog was also reportedly trapped inside the house throughout the ordeal however eventually managed to escape unharmed. The damage to the house was estimated to be more than half a million dollars making it a write-off. Fire and Emergency Services station officer John Sharp said the family were 'obviously in shock, but they've got a lot of family and support around them'. A GoFundMe page has since been created to help the family. 'Sadly today we lost our beloved family home due to a house fire,' organiser Nakita said. 'With this being said we have lost everything and just managed to walk away with the clothes on our backs and our babies in our arms. 'This has come as a big shock to our family as we are preparing to lay our beloved Dad and Pop to rest this Friday. 'All our funeral clothes and funeral supplies were also sadly lost.'
