Grief and deep sadness lingered among the large crowd at Gunning Show on Sunday, following the death of three members of their community.
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It will be keenly felt for some time. As Anne Basnett’s friend, Ann Darbyshire told The Post on Saturday: “This is without doubt the worst tragedy that has occurred in our community.”
As much as the Show was a reminder that the Basnetts were no longer with them, it was a chance to grieve together, share stories about their friends and support one another. Gunning has shown many times over its outstanding capacity to back one another in times of adversity. This will be all the more important on the hard road ahead, coming to terms with these fatalities.
In true style, the community will wrap the surviving Basnett family in a warm blanket of care during this sad time. Andrew, Anne and Richard Basnett were hands on carers to their 102-year-old mother and mother-in-law, Marjorie, who continued to live in her own home thanks to their support. Former Upper Lachlan Mayor John Shaw told The Post the community was already rallying on several fronts.
Yass is also feeling the effects. Andrew and Anne Basnett previously lived at Blakney Creek, northeast of the town. On Friday, Mayor Rowena Abbey said it was “an extraordinarily sad day for many of us as their friends.”
“The communities of both Yass and Gunning are in a state of shock losing two people who have been a big part of our lives,” she said.
“Andy and Annie were wonderful people, full of laughter and passion for life. They loved their farm, their friends and particularly their children and grandchildren.”
Upper Lachlan Mayor Brian McCormack also sent his condolences and described the three family members as “long standing pillars of the community.”
Indeed, they had a zest for life by all accounts. Annie has been described as a character who lit up room with her happiness and smile. She and Andrew immersed themselves in community causes, knowing that such involvement carried country towns.
They, of all people, would want this to continue. It is this spirit that Gunning and Yass must remind themselves of during such a difficult period.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Basnett family and their many friends.