The reaction of the community has been to offer condolences and to rally in support of Karen Bell and her family.

The tragedy, which has affected people throughout the entire community has prompted responses from community leaders.

Bega Valley Shire Council mayor

Tony Allen

“This is a close-knit community and it has been shocked by the tragedy.

“I extend my personal condolences and those of the council to the family and members of the Pericoe community.

“It is times like this when everyone in the community combines to support those in need.

“I am sure that everyone sends their deepest sympathy to Karen and the family in this time of tragic circumstances.

“Council offers it’s support to the family”.

Robert Hayson, president Bega Chamber of Commerce.

“Speaking personally and on behalf of the Bega Chamber of Commerce, I have many feelings but the predominant one is of grief and of sadness for the family.

“This is a time when our community pulls together.

“Our hearts go out to Karen and the rest of her family and we will do whatever we can to support them in this tragic time.”

Mr Hayson said the Chamber of Commerce would help financially with the gathering after the funerals next week.

Gabrielle Powell,

Co-ordinator of the Women’s Resource Centre in Parker Street.

“Like all people, I am deeply shocked by the tragedy and offer my deepest sympathy to Karen and the Bell family.

Ms Powell said it was important for women to know that the resource centre was there to help.

“The Women’s Domestic Violence Ad-vocacy Service, which can help with AVOs, is based at the centre,” she said.

“And we also operate as a drop-in centre so women can come for support and advice and referrals to any services they might need.”

Ms Powell encouraged women to simply call in for a chat if they felt they needed to.

Member for Bega Andrew Constance

“I know I speak for all in my community when I say we are stunned and devastated by the senseless deaths of three very young children at Pericoe Valley.

“On behalf of the community I extend our deepest sympathies to the children’s mother Karen, the family and friends.

This is a tragic event beyond comprehension and one that strikes to the hearts of us all.

“The investigations will include a coronial inquiry and a further investigation and report by the NSW Ombudsman as part of his Annual Child Deaths Review.

“The enormity of this tragedy has led many to ask how this could have been prevented.

“The concerns that have been raised by members of the extended family and the community over the course of the week will need to be addressed.

“The community will be reflecting on the short lives of these young children and supporting those who have to bear unimaginable grief.”

Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly.

“This is a horrifying event that has stunned the community and my heart goes out to Karen Bell, her close relatives and friends.

“I cannot imagine the ordeal they are experiencing; it must be devastating.

“The community has been shaken by this tragedy and I hope people in the region rally to support the appeal your three local newspapers in the region have opened.”

Mr Kelly said while he could not comment on “this particular case” which is under police investigation, child abuse has become an issue of national concern.

He said he hoped there had been a lot of community input into the Australian Government’s invitation for comment (which closed last Monday) on a discussion paper for a national framework for protecting Australia’s children.

“The national framework seeks to enable a more integrated response across governments and non-government organisations to ensure that Australian children can live in safe environments,” he said.

“I would also like to stress that it is important that we all take responsibility for what goes on in our communities.

“We must be alert to the signs of breakdown or neglect among our neighbours and be ready to offer help or seek support.”

NSW Police Far South Coast District Regional Commander Inspector Jason Edmunds

Insp Edmunds said the police officers involved in the incident are among those who have been affected by the tragedy.

“Despite this they acted, and continued to act, in a professional manner and I fully support their actions.

“While my officers have certainly been affected by the tragedy, their experience is nothing compared to that now being experienced by Mrs Bell and her family and I extend my deepest sympathy to them,” Insp Edmunds said.

He also said that in line with normal police department policy the officers involved have been offered professional counselling,

Bega Salvation Army Corp Officer Captain Kathy Crombie

“Like the rest of the Bega Valley community I am shocked by the tragedy.

“While we are not directly involved in the family’s funeral arrangements we will be assisting at the wake for the children.

“Also the Army is able to provide free professional counselling and is well experienced in assisting people to cope in these types of situations.”

Anyone needing assistance can phone the Bega Salvation Army on 64923332.

As an alternative there is a 24-hour telephone Care Line counselling service via 1300 363 622 and a National Hotline on 13salvos (13 7258).