The Muckatah Tragedy

On 15 December 2025, our community was changed forever by a tragic minivan crash on Chapel Road in Muckatah, near Cobram, close to the Victoria–New South Wales border. This heartbreaking event claimed five lives and left four others critically injured, still fighting for their recovery.

Among those who were lost are two members of the Papua New Guinean community — a 51-year-old woman and a teenage boy. Their loss has deeply affected families both here in Australia and back in Papua New Guinea.

A Deep Cultural Responsibility

In Papua New Guinean culture, returning a loved one to their ancestral home for burial is more than a tradition; it is a deeply spiritual and cultural responsibility. It is the essential way families and clans honour the deceased, allowing communities to mourn with dignity and find peace.

To fulfil this responsibility, families must navigate the complex process of international repatriation, which includes specialised preparation, documentation, and transport from Melbourne to Papua New Guinea. These costs are high and must be met urgently during an already overwhelming time for grieving families.

Our Goal: $30,000

The Goulburn Valley Papua New Guinea Association of Victoria (GVPNGAV) has launched this appeal to raise $30,000, representing the estimated core costs required to repatriate these two individuals.

Use of funds:

Primary: International transport and repatriation logistics, including preparation and documentation

Additional: Any funds raised beyond repatriation costs will assist grieving families with burial-related expenses and immediate needs connected to the repatriation process

Who We Are and How the Funds Will Be Used

This fundraising appeal is organised by the Goulburn Valley Papua New Guinea Association of Victoria (GVPNGAV), a community-based association supporting Papua New Guineans living in the Goulburn Valley region.

The Association is based in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia, and works to support community wellbeing, cultural connection, and mutual assistance during times of hardship.

We are raising funds on behalf of two Papua New Guinean families who lost loved ones in the Muckatah tragedy. The Association’s relationship to the families is that of a community support body, coordinating assistance and managing fundraising with the families’ knowledge and consent.

All funds raised through this appeal will be used only for the purposes stated above.

Transparency and Accountability

All donations are deposited directly into the Goulburn Valley Papua New Guinea Association of Victoria’s bank account and managed by the Association.

The Association is committed to full transparency and community accountability, ensuring that every dollar raised is used in accordance with this appeal and to honour those we have lost.

How You Can Help

We humbly ask for your support during this time of immense grief. You can stand with us by:

Donating whatever amount you are able

Sharing this appeal with your networks

Keeping the families and the survivors still in the hospital in your thoughts and prayers

Thank you for your compassion and for helping bring our loved ones home to rest.

Goulburn Valley Papua New Guinea Association of Victoria