Darcy Bulman had an infectious laugh. Her partner feels sick that he’ll never hear it again
Darcy Bulman had an infectious laugh and big plans for her life.
Almost a year on from the horror Hunter Valley bus crash that killed Bulman and nine others, her partner, Nick Dinakis, has opened up about their life together and his own recovery from his injuries.
Darcy Bulman, 30, died in the Hunter Valley bus crash.Credit: Nick Dinakis
“Darcy was and always will be my best friend and my forever love. She was one of the most bubbly and energetic people I have ever met. We met at high school and I immediately knew she was my person,” Dinakis wrote in a statement.
“She had the biggest smile and the most infectious laugh. A laugh that I can still hear today. She was warm, smart, loyal and just made everyone she ever met feel so happy.
“Darcy always had big plans and worked hard to achieve them, but she was selfless, too, always encouraging others to chase their dreams and celebrated their wins more than her own and without any jealousy.”
The couple met at Warrandyte High School, and Bulman went on to work as an investigator at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, while Dinakis became a real estate agent.
Darcy Bulman and Nick Dinakis.Credit: Nick Dinakis
Bulman was 30 when she died. “Her great loves were our dog, Tilly, the Mornington Peninsula and hanging out with her friends, and she had so many,” Dinakis said.
“Darcy lifted the energy of any room she walked into, and the world is a sadder place without her.
“Although our plans for our future were cut tragically short, Darcy gave me so much to be grateful for in our time together. I miss her dearly and the thought of a future without her makes me feel sick.”
Dinakis, 30, said in honour of Bulman he had worked with the Manningham Council to plan a commemorative garden along the Yarra River in Warrandyte, where they both grew up.
“We hope that this garden and its bright wild flowers can be a constant reminder of Darcy and all the joy she brought in to this world in her 30 years,” he said.
“In regards to my recovery – I am working through intense rehab both for my spinal fractures, brain injuries and lacerations. My goal is to move forward with life and carry all the great values Darcy taught me. It’s a long road and life will never be the same.”
On Wednesday, it was revealed that the driver of the bus, Brett Button, had been affected by prescription drugs when he was behind the wheel of the vehicle that crashed.
Burton pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving causing the deaths of Nadene McBride and her daughter, Kyah, Kane Symons, Andrew Scott and his wife, Lynan, Zach Bray, Angus Craig, Darcy Bulman, Tori Cowburn and Rebecca Mullen.
The plea deal between the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions and Button’s lawyer means Button will no longer face trial on manslaughter charges.
Some of the victims’ families were outraged by the decision, saying they were kept in the dark. Others were supportive, saying they could begin to move on with their lives.
Dinakis praised the Director of Public Prosecutions, saying he was “extremely pleased”.
“I cannot thank the DPP enough for all their hard work. I understand this isn’t a situation that can appease everyone, but it allows myself and the other victims to try and move forward with life,” he said.
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