Hillcrest Tragedy and Renewed Calls for Inflatable Device Regulation

On 31 August 2025, public discussion in Tasmania resurfaced around the regulation of inflatable amusement devices, following continued coverage of the devastating Hillcrest Primary School tragedy.

That incident — where a wind gust lifted an inflatable castle, resulting in multiple children losing their lives — shocked the nation and left lasting scars on families, classmates, teachers, and the wider community.

While WorkSafe Tasmania has not issued new regulator statements this week, the topic has re-emerged in the media, reigniting debate over whether stronger controls, clearer standards, or outright restrictions are needed for inflatable amusements used at schools and community events.

The Human Cost

It is easy, when discussing regulation, to focus on policies and compliance. But at the heart of this story are children who never made it home, families who live with that loss every day, and classmates and teachers who will carry those memories for life.

We also need to recognise the hidden circle of impact:

• First responders who arrived at a scene of unimaginable chaos and trauma.

• Friends and the wider community who grapple with grief and helplessness.

• School staff and educators who feel a deep responsibility for the safety of children in their care.

These events don’t just appear in safety statistics — they alter lives, permanently.

Looking After Each Other

When trauma strikes, the instinct is to “get on with it.” But unresolved trauma doesn’t disappear; it often resurfaces later in damaging ways.

It’s essential to make space for care:

• Reach out for help: Call services like Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) if you or someone close to you is struggling.

• Check in on colleagues and peers: A quiet conversation may be the lifeline someone needs.

• Don’t neglect yourself: Those supporting others — teachers, managers, responders — also need rest, reflection, and support.

• Encourage professional counselling: Trauma specialists can provide tools for coping that friends and families can’t always supply.

Why Regulation Matters

Every time we see these incidents, the case for robust regulation becomes clearer. Inflatable amusements carry inherent risks when exposed to wind, poor anchoring, or operator error. Stronger regulatory oversight — whether through licensing, mandatory engineering standards, or clear prohibitions in certain settings — is not about red tape. It is about ensuring that fun events don’t become tragedies.

To note, while no prosecutions were made after an exhaustive and intensive investigation in to this incident, which resulted in public outcry and anger, it doesn't change the fact that this was a tragedy and that we should always look at ways, individually, organisationally, and across the community, to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. Regardless of regulatory oversight.

Final Word

The renewed discussion in Tasmania is a reminder that behind every regulation is a story of lives changed forever. As professionals, communities, and human beings, our job is twofold: prevent the next tragedy, and look after each other when trauma does occur.

If you’ve been affected by stories like Hillcrest, please know there are services and people ready to support you. Pick up the phone, have the conversation, and take the step to care for yourself and those around you.