Inquest returns to the beach

20.08.2010

MEMBERS of the Sherry family
revisited South Ballina Beach yesterday
where Joseph and Carole
Sherry tragically lost their lives
rescuing their children in January.
It was the first day of the coronial
inquest into the drownings, where
inadequate warning signs and
unclear emergency call-out procedures
dominated proceedings at the
Ballina Court House.
Before hearing evidence, Coroner
Jeff Linden adjourned proceedings
so the court could visit the scene of
the tragedy after lead investigating
officer, Detective Senior Constable
Rowena Freer, expressed concern
about new signs erected at the site
earlier this month in response to
the deaths.
"I feel the signs, in my opinion,
are not big enough and are not
close enough to the beach," she told
the inquest.
Joseph Sherry's mother, Mary,
and sisters Margaret Leedham and
Jennifer Hackney, represented the
family in a brave and dignified
manner, following the court convoy
to the beach.
In a moving moment, the three
paused at the two large white crosses
erected at the end of the track in
memory of Joseph and Carole,
before walking out, alone, on to the
beach.
They declined to comment on the
court proceedings, saying they
were happy to wait for Coroner
Linden's findings, due in September,
but took a moment to again
thank the whole Northern Rivers
community.
"We just think it is an amazing
community up here," Mrs Sherry
said.
"We want to thank everyone, the
police force, the ambulance, the
rescue services and the whole
community, not just Ballina and
Lismore, but all over.
"The response and support was
incredible and we can't thank you
enough."
Mr Linden will hand down his
findings at the Ballina Court House
on September 2.