Overview
- On December 16, 2021, a gust lifted a jumping castle at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, killing six children and seriously injuring three classmates.
- At a case management conference on Thursday, Coroner Olivia McTaggart said she is working toward an initial block of inquest hearings in the second half of September 2026, with final scope and witness lists to be set at a July 24 management hearing.
- Several families want the school's then‑principal and the teacher who organised the event to give live evidence but the State opposes calling lay staff, saying they have already provided affidavits and that live testimony could retraumatise them.
- Counsel assisting asked the inquest to probe the Department of Education's engagement of supplier Taz‑Zorb, the selection process, the risk assessments carried out before the event, and weather monitoring on the day, while the supplier’s lawyer signalled possible inquiries into the manufacturer East Inflatables and WorkSafe Tasmania's regulation.
- The coronial process resumed after Taz‑Zorb owner Rosemary Gamble was acquitted of a work health and safety charge in June 2025, and families say the inquest is their main route to answers and potential safety recommendations.