Shire President Pam Townshend speaks on Monday. Photo courtesy Hannah Barry.

Members of the Augusta Margaret River community gathered at the Shire offices on Monday to attend a town meeting after the tragic events of Friday rocked the town.

As news broke on Friday morning of the discovery of seven people deceased at a property in Osmington following a shooting, members of the tight knit community came together to support each other and establish counselling centres.

Representatives of welfare support groups, health agencies, counselling services, emergency services, education, children and learning providers, churches, business and industry, emergency services, community groups, elected members and Shire staff met on Monday to discuss ongoing support.

Shire President Pam Townshend said the session aimed at identifying subsections of the community that may require support in dealing with the incident.

“A group of community representatives has formed to consider an appropriate community memorial for the family,” Ms Townshend said.

“We dont what that will look like yet.

There has been outpouring of support for the community from all around Australia, and even internationally, and for this we thank you.

Pam Townshend, AMR Shire President

“There has been outpouring of support for the community from all around Australia, and even internationally, and for this we thank you.

“I thank the media for their respectful for approach to covering this story and being an asset in relaying key information to locals.

“I ask now that we are given time for things to settle and that we are provided with the space we need to grieve.”

Ms Townshend said there was still work to be done to care for a grieving community.

“There is a long road to recovery for many of us. These are beloved members of our community and we hold of memories of them very dear.”

Community support sessions will continue at the Margaret River Community Centre on Tunbridge Street between 12:00pm and 4:00pm until the end of the week, when an assessment will be made over the need for ongoing services.

Meanwhile, the residents Augusta Margaret River continue to process the tragic events that claimed the lives of seven members of the Miles and Cockman families, and the outpouring of grief that has flooded the region.

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Margaret River Mail

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