Queensland

$200,000 released to families of those killed at Dreamworld

More than $200,000 in donated funds has been released to the families of those who lost their lives at Dreamworld.

Two women and two men died at the theme park on October 25 after the Thunder River Rapids ride they were on malfunctioned.

Members of the public have left thousands of flowers in the wake of the tragedy.
Members of the public have left thousands of flowers in the wake of the tragedy. Photo: Mark Jesser

Family and friends of Canberra siblings Kate Goodchild and Luke Dorsett farewelled the pair on Monday in Canberra while family members of Mr Dorsett's partner Roozi Arah and mother Cindy Low said their goodbyes last week.

All four adults had been riding in one of the rafts when it hit a stationary raft and flipped backwards, killing all on board. 

Charity organisation GIVIT has raised more than $200,000 in its Gold Coast Appeal to provide relief to the immediate and emergent needs of the families of those killed at the theme park.

On Tuesday an Independent Distribution Committee in charge of managing the distribution of donations announced the money would be released immediately.

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The committee is made up of members from Bond University. City of Gold Coast, Red Cross and GIVIT.

Committee chair Catherine O'Sullivan said there had been an outpouring of generosity from the public.

"I can confirm that the intent of this committee is to distribute 100 per cent of the money received by the GIVIT Gold Coast Appeal to the families of those directly impacted by the Dreamworld tragedy," she said.

"It's vitally important that people who donate know that this committee is independent and is acting quickly to make sure funds are available to meet any immediate and emergent needs that these families may have."

GIVIT was approached by the Gold Coast City Council days after the tragedy to be the official platform for the appeal, on recommendation by the state government.

It is understood funds donated to Red Cross by Dreamworld and/or Ardent Leisure and those raised through the GIVIT Appeal will all be distributed through the Independent Distribution Committee.

Dreamworld is expected to make an announcement on Wednesday about when the park may reopen.

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