The six students who died in a jumping castle tragedy in Tasmania's north west a year ago have been described as "precious children ... never, ever forgotten" by the Premier at a memorial.
The children died at an end-of-term celebration at Hillcrest Primary School on December 16 last year when a jumping castle was lifted into the air by a gust of wind.
The tragedy, described as "catastrophic", devastated the small community of Devonport and beyond.
Family members, along with the broader community, gathered at Market Square in Devonport for a ceremony to honour the children who lost their lives that day: Peter Dodt, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, Zane Mellor and Chance Harrison.
Three other students suffered serious injuries.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff told those gathered that the six young lives were taken far too soon.
"A year on since the tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School, we continue to keep the children, their families, and their loved ones in our hearts and minds," he said.
"Over the past twelve months, Tasmanians have come together as one and wrapped their arms around everyone so utterly devastated, to provide such love, support and care.
"We acknowledge though, that no matter how hard we try, no matter how hard we will continue to try, we will never be able to truly walk in the shoes of those who have lost so much.
"We will never forget your precious children and we will always walk alongside you in your grief.
"May they live on in our hearts and minds, so tragically taken from us but never ever forgotten. We also remember the children [who were] injured and wish them well as they continue to recover."
A message from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also read out, in which he described it as "the hardest of anniversaries".
"Your community is in the hearts and minds of all Australians as we remember six beautiful children," he said.
"Grief may soften but it does not fade."
A minute's silence was held at the ceremony and a photo montage of the six victims was shown.
Devonport mayor Alison Jarman described "the devastating day which Is etched in our memories forever".
She said December 16, 2021, was "the day our hearts broke".
She paid tribute to the wonderful counsellors supporting the community who attended the ceremony
When the tragedy happened last year, the image of Tasmania's broken heart became a widely shared symbol on social media of the community's sympathy and support.
A metal heart has been placed in Market Square as a temporary memorial.
Families of the victims were the first to lay flowers at the heart-shaped structure at the ceremony.
Hillcrest Primary School has asked that people do not leave tributes at the school.
The school will be holding an acknowledgement ceremony developed by students and staff.
Planning for a more permanent memorial will begin next year.
'I miss them so much'
Dwayne Kaye and his 14-year-old son Riley Kaye, who was friends with some of the children involved, placed flowers on the big heart in tribute to the lives lost.
Mr Kaye said it had been a difficult 12 months, but the community had become closer.
"It's been a learning experience in the way you don't realise the community as a whole and how everyone comes together to help mend you as a big family," he said.
"We've been friends with a couple of the families that were directly involved in the incident. To see those guys struggle through the year, and to see them here today, and the people that showed up to help support those guys, in particular, it's been fantastic to see.
"Unfortunately, trying to deal with those things yourself to help the kids overcome it, but try to overcome it yourself as an adult, it's been hard."
They planned to play Fortnite into the evening as a way of remembering the children.
Riley said he would never forget his friends.
"It was very fun hanging out with them, and I never got to say goodbye. I miss them so much," he said.
Joint public inquest to be held next year
The Hillcrest Affected Area Recovery Committee (HAARC) was formed following the tragedy.
It has been tasked with supporting the community through the challenges it faces as well as helping to design and lead community recovery activities.
An inquest into the deaths is ongoing but a coronial update found that a powerful "mini tornado, a wind devil or similar" lifted the jumping castle into the air, resulting in the deaths of five children on the castle and one child who was waiting in line for an activity.
Three children playing in inflatable zorb balls were seriously injured but survived.
Two other children playing on the jumping castle also survived.
A joint public inquest will be held into the deaths next year.
The investigation process has been described as "intensive" and "complex".
