Introduction: A family’s fight to honor a loved one
On a rainy afternoon in June 2020, 16-year-old Tyler Hastie was struck while attempting to cross a busy highway in the South West of Western Australia. Since that day, a white cross has stood on the Bussell Highway near Jaymon Road in Stratham, serving as a quiet reminder of a young life cut tragically short. For five years, the family has tended to the memorial, visiting monthly to pay their respects and keep Tyler’s memory alive.
The plan to relocate: safety versus memory
Western Australia’s transport authority, Main Roads WA, now says the memorial’s location poses a serious safety risk for anyone stopping or crossing live traffic to visit. The agency has signalled an intent to remove and relocate the memorial, clarifying that the decision is driven by safety concerns, not aesthetics. A spokesperson explained that the goal is to protect both visiting loved ones and passing motorists.
What’s driving the safety argument?
Main Roads WA emphasises that roadside memorials can become safety hazards if people stop on a busy highway or step into live traffic to reach the marker. The agency notes that its policy on relocating or removing memorials is informed by input from WA Police and the Road Safety Commission, and is implemented with careful consideration of all safety aspects.
The family’s response: a plea to leave the site
Tyler’s father, Robert Hastie, says the memorial should stay where it is. He asks how families would feel if it were their child who had died and a memorial had to be uprooted and moved. The Hastie family has followed the memorial policy as closely as possible, but for them the cross is both a place of remembrance and a stark reminder of the risks of driving on a busy road.
Reliving trauma: why relocation may be more than just a change of scenery
Locals grappling with road trauma emphasize that memorials are not merely ornaments. They are spaces where families can grieve, speak to their loved ones, and find a moment of closure. Tarryn Sanford, who runs Heart Hub South West, speaks from experience: her son Jack was killed in a car crash in 2017, and she notes that moving a memorial can force families to relive painful memories and feel disconnected from where the tragedy occurred.
Balancing memory and safety: what happens next
Officials say they will work with the Hastie family to identify a “suitable relocation” if relocation is unavoidable. The process will likely involve consultations with law enforcement, the Road Safety Commission, and the family, ensuring that the new site maintains a sense of remembrance while addressing safety concerns. The broader community is watching closely, balancing respect for those who mourn with the practicalities of road safety.
Remembering Tyler Hastie: a portrait of a boy who loved life
Brian Hastie remembers his grandson as a funny, cheeky boy who loved the Harry Potter universe. “I don’t think anyone has ever got over it. We still talk about Tyler and what a good kid he was,” he says, highlighting the enduring impact of road tragedies on families and communities alike. The cross remains a symbol—both a memorial and a reminder—of the fragile balance between honoring the dead and keeping roadways safe.
Conclusion: a community choosing empathy and safety
As discussions progress, the Bunbury area faces a choice that transcends one memorial. It is about honoring a life lost and protecting those who continue to use the same road daily. The outcome will set a precedent for how roadside memorials are managed across Western Australia, underscoring the need to listen to grieving families while prioritising public safety.
