General News
26 June, 2024
Wendy to be reunited with family members
LIFE changed in an instant for the Brasell family on December 10, 1958.
The Colac-district family had been staying at Port Campbell for a holiday trip fishing and time at the beach.
They climbed down the Beacon Steps, carved into a cliff on the headland before a sudden wave swept John, 11, got his fishing line tangled an was walking backwards to untangle it when he fell backwards off the cliff into the turbulent swell.
His mother, Shirley, leapt in to try and save him. Father, Arthur, desperate to help joined his struggling son and wife in the water.
Powerless to help, much of the tightknit Port Campbell community watched on in horror as the tragedy unfolded, with residents reportedly throwing items into the waves for the family to try and grab onto.
Sadly Arthur, Shirley and John perished in the waters leaving behind surviving siblings Wendy, 14, Heather 10, Suzanne, 8, Danny, 4 and Peter, 2.
The tragedy was the catalyst for what became, in 1963, the creation of the Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club.
The wider community rallied behind the family, raising funds for the children.
Peter Sterrett, who was just a toddler at the time of the accident, said shortly after the tragedy there was a meeting of the family involving Arthur’s brother and Shirley’s brother.
“Arthur's brother from NZ already had three children and was unable to adopt all five children,” he said.
“Similarly, Shirley's brother was unable to adopt all five children.
“So despite the strenuous objections of the local community, Legacy, Wendy and all the kids, Wendy, Danny and I were adopted by Shirley's brother - the thinking being that Wendy would be able to help care for the two young boys.
“Heather and Suzanne were adopted by Arthur's brother - he thought being that they were older and of similar ages so able to support each other, together with their adopted parents’ other children.
Heather currently lives in Georgia USA, where she manages forested property from her late husband’s home.
After a career in forest research and teaching, she is very active in forestry and environmental education.
Suzanne is living in Napier, New Zealand.
Danny went to Queensland with his adopted family, moved with his family from Mary Kathleen to Verrierdale (via Eumundi), went to school at Verrierdale State School, died and was buried in Nambour in 1962 aged 8.
The youngest of the family, Peter, went to Queensland with his adopted family, became an electronics engineer, joined the RAAF, and is now living in Mirador, New South Wales.
He said the communities of Warrnambool and Colac had helped contribute to the sibling’s education, allowing them to pursue their goals.
“The communities of Warrnambool and Colac raised a benefit fund for the ongoing support (particularly education) of the children and that fund was administered by Warrnambool Legacy Club,” Peter said.
“That fund has been instrumental in all of us getting through some very difficult times and to be in the place that we are now, and we are all extremely grateful for the kindness and generosity of the local communities.
“I am not sure if anyone has ever thanked them properly and I'm not sure they know just what a difference they made in our lives.”
Oldest sibling, Jacquelyn Wendy Woodhouse, eventually moved to New Zealand, where she married, had a family, worked as a community nurse and settled in Masterton where she was active in the local community.
Wendy died August 22, 2023, aged 78.
The family are preparing a service at the Cobden Cemetery for August which will see Wendy’s ashes interred besides her parents and brother.
“Wendy specifically wanted to be reunited with her family at Cobden Cemetery and her best friend, Hilda Payne, will be bringing her ashes from Masterton, New Zealand for the interment,” Peter said.
“I was originally planning just a small graveside interment service supported by Jo Beard and the local Anglican Minister.
“However, based on feedback that there may be community interest, I and the rest of the family, would certainly like to let the community know about it and if anyone is interested in attending the interment, they would be most welcome.”
He said Danny died and was buried in Queensland in 1962.
“As a result of Wendy coming back to Cobden, the remaining family have decided to place a memorial for Danny at the family grave at Cobden, so he can be remembered with the family,” Peter said.
“There may be additional memorials placed for the remaining kids, even if they are buried elsewhere.”
Full details of the service for Wendy will be placed in the Cobden Timboon Coast Times when a date is known.
