AN HOUR out from the memorial service at the Korumburra Recreation Centre today, for the late Don and Gail Patterson and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, the mood is decidedly somber as organisers arrive to add the finishing touches to the day’s service.

The media, TV, radio and print are already onsite, with cameras rolling as mourners begin to arrive, sometime out from when the service is due to begin.

Chairs for more than 400 people have been set up in the stadium, more used to hosting basketball matches, deb balls and social events; with organisers unsure how many will arrive.

A local musician, Terry Lay, has been asked to play and family members are expected to speak publicly for the first time about their own grief and what a loss to the community this trio has been, tragically taken away as a result of an incident about which we’ve heard a lot but know little.

The service is set to commence at 2pm.