Grieving families seek help to bring loved ones home
Relatives and friends within Australia’s Papua New Guinean (PNG) community are calling for help to repatriate two victims of a fatal minivan crash in Victoria’s north. The tragedy, in which four people died, has left grieving families desperate to bring their loved ones back to Papua New Guinea for burial and cultural rites.
Identities confirmed by the PNG community
Members of the PNG community in Shepparton have confirmed the identities of two of the deceased: a 17-year-old girl named Jamie Kakon and a 51-year-old man. The confirmation has brought a mix of grief and resolve, with families beginning the process of coordinating repatriation and funeral arrangements aligned with PNG customs and family expectations.
Why repatriation matters to PNG families
For many PNG families, burial and farewell rites are sacred, centering on community support and ancestral connections. Repatriation ensures that loved ones are laid to rest in their home country, close to extended family and within familiar cultural practices. Authorities in Australia provide guidance, but families often rely on community networks to navigate travel, documentation, and costs associated with transporting remains, which can be substantial.
Practical steps families are taking
First, families must obtain and verify death certificates, passports, and any required travel permits. Next comes coordinating with consular services, airlines, and funeral homes that specialise in international repatriation. Because timing is sensitive, many families are seeking expedited assistance while balancing legal and logistical considerations across both Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Financial and logistical support from the PNG community
Community groups, churches, and local PNG associations are organising fundraising efforts to cover medical, transport, and funeral costs. Donors—both within PNG and the broader diaspora—are contributing, with online campaigns, local events, and direct aid channels. These efforts are essential, as repatriation can involve significant expenditures, including interment in PNG and travel for family members who must transport remains or travel to PNG for customs clearance.
How governments and agencies can help
Assistance from Australian authorities and the PNG government can streamline documentation, support consular coordination, and clarify requirements for repatriation flights and permits. The collaboration between state authorities, cemetery and funeral directors, and international agencies is crucial to reduce delays and ensure respectful, timely farewell services for the deceased.
What supporters can do now
Members of the PNG community and sympathisers can help by:
– Donating to verified repatriation funds and funeral costs
– Sharing accurate information through official channels to prevent miscommunication
– Volunteering time or services, including translation, legal advice, and logistics
– Reaching out to local MPs or consulates to request expedite processes where possible
Preserving memory and moving forward
While the initial shock of the Victoria crash remains fresh, families are emphasising the importance of honoring those who died through proper memorials and return to their homeland. The community’s response highlights resilience and unity, as PNG families work together to ensure that their loved ones can rest at home, surrounded by traditions and kinship.
