The Prime Minister is set to meet privately with the families of the five children killed in a horror Jumping Castle accident in Tasmania as the country reels from the tragedy just days out from Christmas.
Scott Morrison announced today $800,000 would go towards Support for families and communities affected and provide counselling support.
Australia has also rallied behind the Devonport community with an online fundraising page raising more than $1 million for the families.
READ MORE: Floral tributes grow at scene after five children killed in Tasmania jumping castle tragedy identified
"We will reach out our arms and we'll throw them around the community of Devonport, and Australia will throw their arms around Tasmania as they seek to console for what has been an unthinkable time," Mr Morrison said.
The money will be paid to Tasmania's primary health network over an 18 month period.
Additional trauma counselling, training for emergency services in trauma, informed care, and psychological first aid will all benefit from the financial assistance.
Mr Morrison said $100,000 will go towards support for schools returning in 2022 along with training and counselling for teachers and staff.
"We know support won't just be needed in the next few weeks, it will be needed for many, many, many months, to try and begin that process of healing," Mr Morrison said.
READ MORE: NSW and Victoria scrap 72 hour isolation period for international arrivals
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein thanked the prime minister for the funding to support the community after the tragedy.
"To the families of the five children who passed away, you know, words can't express the sympathy that I feel, that Tasmanians feel, the outpouring of sympathy right across this country," he said.
Police yesterday identified the five children who died in the Jumping Castle Tragedy.
Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Peter Dodt, all aged 12, and 11-year-old Addison Stewart all died in the accident in Devonport on Thursday.
READ MORE: The pandemic forced Kim Jong Un into retreat. The world should brace for his resurgence
There were close to 40 grade five and six students taking part in the end-of-term activities at Hillcrest Primary School when the accident occurred.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said "the majority of those injured were in the jumping castle" when it was lifted by the gust of wind.
Three children are still fighting for their lives at the Royal Hobart Hospital, and one child was this morning discharged from hospital to recover at home.
Hundreds of floral tributes have been left at the school as the community mourns the children's deaths.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.
Kids Helpline offers free, confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25. You can reach them at 1800 55 1800.
