In a tragic twist of fate, the Indian community in Australia is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated members. Pratibha Sharma, a loving mother, an active community advocate, and a former state parliament candidate, met with a harrowing accident alongside her family and friends. Pratibha, her partner Jatin, and their bright-eyed daughter Anvi, aged nine, were among those whose lives were tragically claimed by a sudden and devastating accident at the Royal Daylesford Hotel.
The Sharmas and their two friends from Tarneit, a father and son, were enjoying what was supposed to be a serene weekend retreat when the unexpected happened. A BMW SUV, driven by a 66-year-old man from Mount Macedon, lost control and careered into the hotel’s popular beer garden, transforming a casual gathering into a scene of catastrophe.
Daljeet Bakshi, a community volunteer, expressed the shock and sorrow that gripped the community. “It’s very shocking news. One of our friends and our Australian Sikh Support dedicated volunteer from Melbourne, her husband Jatin and their daughter Anvi, along with their two friends, died in an unfortunate accident,” Bakshi said. “Pratibha, along with her family members, worked tirelessly for the community. Our prayers are for Pratibha and her family and their friends.” The words echo the sentiments of a diaspora struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
The Sharma family, active and well-known within the local and international Indian community, leaves behind a legacy of service and a void that speaks to the breadth of their impact. Pratibha, who had recently celebrated qualifying as a lawyer, was a beacon of hope and a tireless campaigner against domestic violence. Her untimely death robs the community not only of a beloved family member but also of a passionate advocate for those in need.
The Daylesford area, often lauded for its tranquil surroundings and as a picturesque escape for many Melburnians, is grappling with this stark reminder of life’s unpredictability. Known for its soothing mineral spas, cultural festivals, and artisanal food scene, Daylesford represents a slice of country charm that lures visitors with the promise of peacefulness and relaxation. But now, the town is marked by an event that contrasts sharply with its serene image, an event that has triggered a maelstrom of emotions.
As the community comes together in shared grief, the Royal Daylesford Hotel has become a focal point of mourning and remembrance. The site of the accident has been turned into a makeshift memorial, with tributes flowing in from across Melbourne and beyond. The Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre hosted a vigil, allowing community members to support one another in their loss, and a call has been put out for witnesses to help piece together the chain of events that led to this devastating incident.
The investigation by the Major Collision Investigation Unit is ongoing, with authorities meticulously gathering evidence to understand how such a tragedy could have occurred. As this investigation unfolds, there is a collective search for understanding and healing within the Indian Australian community, which stands united in the face of such an incomprehensible loss.
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