Two weeks to the day since the tragic double fatality in Kingston which saw a mother and son killed after a Kenworth truck and a Toyota Rav4 collided, the town continues the healing process.
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At a community morning tea organised by the Kingston fire brigade, local fire captain Rob Gordon-Haughie stressed the need for greater training in the field of road trauma for rural fire brigade members.
"It's absolutely vital," he told The Courier.
"As soon as you get your minimum skills to join the fire brigade you should be given all the tools by CFA so we have all the tools to better protect ourselves... we shouldn't have to learn as we go."
Were not trained in road accident trauma, were bushfire firefighters.
- Kingston fire captain Robert Gordon-Haughie
Mr Gordon-Haughie was on leave at the time of the incident and said he has noticed a shift within his crew since returning.
"I've come back to a brigade that has been affected.
"While there are the typical big strong men who shrug it off and say they've seen it all before, we're all fragile little eggs at times.
"I think people can say they're alright but I think there are a few people that still need to be around others and maybe should be seeking some help."
Last year, the Kingston fire brigade organised its own workshop with Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and Daylesford Rescue to learn more about MVA (motor vehicle accident) awareness and traffic management. The brigade plans to do something similar in 2020 surrounding road trauma.
"Last year after about three hours of training, everyone left that session with a better understanding of how to handle those situations... It's something that should be on the CFA calendar."
Along with ensuring his brigade is properly looked after when tragic circumstances hit, Mr Gordon-Haughie said having community events such as Sunday's are crucial in looking after the community.
"All bystanders were involved (in the incident), everyone received the same impact as us and they should receive the same assistance and care that we get.
"We're here to bring everyone together so they can share experiences... not necessarily to look for closure, more to just talk out what they need to talk through... we're all in this together.
"Things like this are important because it builds a familiarity and a resilience with the community."
Members from around the community spoke highly of the event.
One resident who lived only a few doors down from where the crash took place said being able to share his experience with people in a similar situation was important in moving forward.
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