GOVERNOR-GENERAL SADDENED BY YOTS TRAGEDY

28 April 1999

The Governor-General, Sir William Deane, and Lady Deane said today they were deeply upset at the deaths of two young people and a youth worker from the Youth Off The Streets program in a car accident on the southern highlands of NSW on Monday night.

Two other teenagers and a youth worker were also injured and are recovering in hospital after the accident near Sutton Forest. It occurred as they were returning from an outing at Luna Park in Sydney.

Sir William, who is Patron of YOTS, said today he and Lady Deane learnt of the tragedy when they returned to London from Windsor where they had lunched with Her Majesty The Queen.

In a message to the founder and director of YOTS, Father Chris Riley, Sir William said he and Lady Deane were greatly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic accident.

He added: " Would you please pass to the bereaved families and friends our deepest sympathies and condolences at this sad time. To those who are in hospital would you give them our fondest good wishes for a speedy and happy recovery.

"For yourself, you will know that you are in our thoughts and prayers."