Michelle and Jarrod Edwards have four children aged between five and 20.

Trunkey Public School principal Sharyn Cogdell said Mrs Edwards was badly injured, as were three of her children. 

The family was treated in four different hospitals. Mrs Edwards was airlifted to Liverpool Hospital, the eldest daughter was in the spinal unit at Royal North Shore Hospital, and the two younger children were admitted to Westmead and Orange Base. 

Mr Edwards, who was not involved in the accident, travelled between these hospitals to support his wife and children. He said his family are doing better, but they still need ongoing operations and treatment. 

Michelle and Jarrod have lived in Trunkey Creek for the past 10 years.

Ms Cogdell said the community wanted to assist the family in any way they could and so people cooked meals for them, assisted with support and care for the injured family members and formed a fundraising committee. 

A sheep drive and a wood raffle were two of the initial fundraisers and the money was given directly to the family to assist with their ongoing medical and travel costs.

“It’s beyond words everything they’ve done for us,” Mr Edwards said.

“We’d have lost everything otherwise.”

Ms Cogdell said the family has had a long road to recovery and are still facing numerous operations, rehabilitation and physiotherapy but they are together and out of hospital, at least for the short term.

She said the community decided to hold a bush dance and auction night once the Edwards’ were doing better, in the hope that they would be in a position to attend and enjoy the evening with their friends. 

Ms Cogdell said letters were written to the businesses in Bathurst, Blayney and Orange and there was an overwhelming response. 

Nearly every business approached was willing to donate either items or gift vouchers towards the fundraiser.

‘Roy and Rel’ also donated their time to play at the dance, and two auctioneers, Taylor Meek and Bill Davis, donated their expertise to run the auction.

“The evening was a huge success with $6300 raised for the Edwards family,” Ms Cogdell said.

“The local community was overjoyed to see the family, who were in high spirits.

“They managed to get out of their wheelchairs to stand, somewhat gingerly and unsteadily, and dance a few steps along to the music surrounded and supported by their family and friends,” she said.

Ms Cogdell said everyone had a great night and was happy to dig deep and to ensure plenty of funds were raised to support the family.

The fundraising committee and the Edwards family wish to thank Bathurst businesses for their generous donations towards the auction.