Memorial

[FIGJAM]

The recent memorial for Tina Wilson and her three children who lost their lives in the fires was a very emotional and moving experience for those able to attend and there were many. The car park and surrounding grounds of the reception centre where the service was held at Whittlesea was jam packed with Hot Rods and cars.

I am told there was in excess of 150 Hot Rods present which is a lot when they are all lined up.
There was a huge presence of Northern Suburbs Rodders wearing the club T.Shirt, many members of the Renegade Rockers and masses of other friends and family.
Tina was a Hot Rodder born and bred according to her family and those who knew her and she also loved to dance and attended dance classes with Rhonda of the Renegade Rockers.

It was not surprising to see such a huge turnout of people at this service for this popular young mother and her children. A massive marquis was erected on the grounds to accommodate the large number of people who spilled out of the main room where the service was held.

The service was conducted by the King Lake Church of England reverend and family friend who's name escapes me (apologies), Tina's mum spoke about Tina and the kids and also her appreciation of the support she had received from local people who were also suffering and her gratitude to the members of the emergency services etc. Long time family friend and fellow rodder from New Zealand (who bought Tina's parents rod from them when they migrated to Australia from New Zealand 25 years ago) Peter Tyrrel, shared his knowledge of Tina's child hood and early love of Hot Rods, Finally, Tina's Partner Sam spoke of the magic of his life with Tina and the kids and their shared passion for cars, music and family.

After the service, everyone went outside for the releasing of the doves.
This was followed by everyone coming back in together to celebrate Tina's life doing what she loved. The Atomic Hi-Tones had been all set up with all the equipment and instruments under covers. When everyone come back in, DJ Antony was playing some music to suit then the band commenced with a special tribute song to Tina and the kids, followed by the music she loved.

The service was beautifully and lovingly handled by all concerned and perfect for Tina and the kids. I find myself thinking constantly of the words spoken, the lives lost and the sadness. The road to recovery for fire victims if it is possible to recover is very long and ongoing, so please continue to support where you can if you can.



MJ

[Cat]

Thanks for your description, Maryann. If I'd known about this I would have attended as Sam is an old mate of mine from the Bell Street Rock Days and I would have liked to be there in support of him and all the Kinglake community.

[Jazza]

The memorial for Tina Wilson and her three children was a moving experience. Personally, it was a jolt in reassessing our own mortality. I was told by a Northern Suburbs Street Rodder friend that Tina used to speak about wanting 100 hot rods at her funeral … Well ... her wish was granted.
It was emotionally moving to see the strength shown by Tina’s Mother as she spoke of her daughter and grand kids. An appropriate singing of the New Zealand national anthem was followed by another emotional display of the ‘Haka’.
The wake that followed brought a smile to the face of many of Tina’s relatives ... especially her Mum. They saw what Tina loved to do … They saw Tina’s friend’s rock & roll dance to her favourite band and music DJ.
Tina was an active committee member of the Northern Suburbs Street Rodders where she was involved in organising their annual Bright Rod Run. I would suspect that part of this year’s NSSR Bright Rod Run will be dedicated to the memory of Tina Wilson and her children.
I also echo what Maryann says in that … the road to recovery is long and hard. Keep supporting any future bushfire fundraisers.