NSW Branch AGM & Operational and Forensic Response to the Hunter Valley Bus Crash
Operational and Forensic Response to the Hunter Valley Bus Crash
Join ANZFSS NSW for our 2026 Annual General Meeting followed by a compelling presentation examining the operational and forensic response to one of Australia’s most significant recent mass casualty incidents.
On 11 June 2023, a bus carrying wedding guests crashed near Greta in the Hunter Valley, resulting in the deaths of ten passengers and injuries to many others. In the aftermath, the NSW Police Force Crime Scene Services Branch led complex Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) operations under challenging conditions.
Detective Inspector Charles Agius APM, a highly experienced forensic professional with more than 28 years of operational and leadership experience, will provide a detailed overview of the DVI response to the Hunter Valley bus crash. Drawing on his extensive expertise in major crime investigations, disaster victim identification, and forensic operations, Charles will discuss the critical phases of the response, the challenges encountered, and the lessons learned.
The presentation will explore:
- The forensic and operational response to the Hunter Valley bus crash
- Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) processes and procedures
- Scene safety, recovery operations, and operational constraints
- Managing fragmented human remains and complex identification challenges
- The impact of media attention on major incident responses
- The importance of timely victim identification and repatriation
- Key lessons learned to inform future forensic and disaster response operations
This is a unique opportunity for forensic practitioners, students, researchers, police personnel, and anyone interested in forensic science to gain insights into the realities of managing a large-scale forensic response.
Event Details
📅 Wednesday, 2 September
📍 Anzac Memorial Auditorium, Hyde Park, Sydney
Schedule
- 6:00 pm – Doors open
- 6:30 pm – ANZFSS NSW Branch AGM
- 6:45 pm – Guest presentation
Speakers
Detective Inspector Charles Agius APM, Kate McCann and Nate Cosstick
Registration
- Free for ANZFSS members and students
- $10 for non-members
Places are limited and advance registration is recommended.
RSVP by 28th August
Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89089215600