Australia - 4 people dead on Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids ride, Gold Coast, 2016

[symbah]

Don't worry about it, symbah. I'm sure everyone appreciates your updates. I agree with your sentiments - an absolute disgrace. From the amount of tributes left outside and the tone of the comments on SM I'd say many people are grief-stricken and angry. As a result, heads will roll.

Thanks Bohemian.
Heads better roll on this one.

 

[symbah]

I was wondering when the issue of the missing slats was going to come out - and here it is. Thank you AFR.

Investigations into the Dreamworld accident that killed four people last week are expected to examine large gaps in the conveyor belt of the Thunder River Rapids ride that are markedly different from other similar rides around the world.
The gaps are understood to be the result of Dreamworld's modifications to the ride since it opened in 1986 and have come under scrutiny as the Swiss firm that created the popular ride continues to distance itself from the tragedy.
Photographs and video footage show Dreamworld – which is owned by listed company Ardent Leisure – has removed wooden slats from the conveyor belt used to move crafts towards the end of the Thunder River Rapids ride.
Four people died when a six-person vessel flipped on a conveyor belt on the ride late last month after colliding with an empty craft. Police said some of the victims then got caught up in the machinery of the ride. It was the worst accident at an Australian theme park since seven people died at Sydney's Lunar Park in 1979.


Read more: http://www.afr.com/news/dreamworlds...round-the-world-20161101-gsfd07#ixzz4Osnp2JXL
Follow us: @FinancialReview on Twitter | financialreview on Facebook

 

[symbah]

And this is just the incentive package she is offered which means if she made the company hit certain goals by certain dates then she gets this extra money ON TOP of her normal and probably outrageous salary.

Companies keep giving CEOs these huge dollars in spite of how bad the companies do and so many examples we have seen that even if a company does lousy then they give the CEO even more money to walk away so they can hire a new one.

It boggles the mind and there is so much truth to the rich getting richer and poor getting poorer.

Its hideous isn't it.

http://thenewdaily.com.au/money/finance-news/2016/10/27/ardent-leisure-agm/
Ms Thomas, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the entire company, was to receive a total of $1.34 million for the last financial year, which ended on June 30.
As part of the package, she had already been paid $670,000 in base salary and the cash bonus of $167,500. The remainder, in shares and long-term incentives, were approved at the AGM.

 

[CARIIS]

Its hideous isn't it.

http://thenewdaily.com.au/money/finance-news/2016/10/27/ardent-leisure-agm/
Ms Thomas, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the entire company, was to receive a total of $1.34 million for the last financial year, which ended on June 30.


I am tirdAs part of the package, she had already been paid $670,000 in base salary and the cash bonus of $167,500. The remainder, in shares and long-term incentives, were approved at the AGM.

I am tired cant remember but she was so not qualified for the position - it was like some lady model and that translates to g a theme park -- well no surprise that did not work out all that good huh!\

 

[CARIIS]

Its hideous isn't it.

http://thenewdaily.com.au/money/finance-news/2016/10/27/ardent-leisure-agm/
Ms Thomas, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the entire company, was to receive a total of $1.34 million for the last financial year, which ended on June 30.
As part of the package, she had already been paid $670,000 in base salary and the cash bonus of $167,500. The remainder, in shares and long-term incentives, were approved at the AGM.

You just stop your nonsense - I shampoo carpets and have been appointed to run Ohare chicago air traffic control center

Would she even know a circuit ?breajker
! It is just so DUmB

 

[symbah]

A joint funeral for Ms Goodchild and Mr Dorsett will be held on Monday in Canberra.
It is understood Mr Araghi’s funeral will be held at the weekend.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/...d/news-story/dbaadf79abb04fb5a7ef1f7a516f9957

 

[symbah]

Dreamworld victim Cindy Low remembered as vivacious, caring wife and mother
Led by a haka before the service commenced on Thursday, Ms Low's heartbroken friends and family said everything the mother-of-two said or did "radiated love".The "vivacious", "compassionate" and "caring" Low was killed when a theme park ride malfunctioned on the Gold Coast last week.
"You rocked our world and we loved every minute of it," her husband of almost 20 years, Mathew Low, said in a letter read out at the funeral in Palmdale.
"I promise to celebrate ... each precious moment."
Ms Low's sister Storm recited a poem, promising loved ones would always "look to the stars where you will shine bright".
It was "a day when our world fell to pieces", a friend said.
But the service was a focus on happier days, with a slideshow of the family and anecdotes about Ms Low's childhood and misadventures with friends.
The 42-year-old was an avid photographer, baker and the family's "crazy cat lady".
She was also immensely proud and protective of her children, 10-year-old Kieran and 12-year-old Isla.
Kieran was with his mother on the ride when she died and remains deeply traumatised.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/a/330...ed-as-vivacious-caring-wife-and-mother/#page1

 

[Bohemian]

Dreamworld victim Cindy Low remembered as vivacious, caring wife and mother
Led by a haka before the service commenced on Thursday, Ms Low's heartbroken friends and family said everything the mother-of-two said or did "radiated love".The "vivacious", "compassionate" and "caring" Low was killed when a theme park ride malfunctioned on the Gold Coast last week.
"You rocked our world and we loved every minute of it," her husband of almost 20 years, Mathew Low, said in a letter read out at the funeral in Palmdale.
"I promise to celebrate ... each precious moment."
Ms Low's sister Storm recited a poem, promising loved ones would always "look to the stars where you will shine bright".
It was "a day when our world fell to pieces", a friend said.
But the service was a focus on happier days, with a slideshow of the family and anecdotes about Ms Low's childhood and misadventures with friends.
The 42-year-old was an avid photographer, baker and the family's "crazy cat lady".
She was also immensely proud and protective of her children, 10-year-old Kieran and 12-year-old Isla.
Kieran was with his mother on the ride when she died and remains deeply traumatised.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/a/330...ed-as-vivacious-caring-wife-and-mother/#page1

Vale Cindy. A precious soul. Prayers of Love, Strength and Comfort for Cindy's loved ones at what must be an absolutely devastating time in their lives. May God Bless you.

 

[symbah]

Paraphrasing from this Australian article because its behind a paywall:

The conveyor belt will be examined today by an engineer - there are allegations that since 1986 the raft ride has been modified with less slats now for the raft to grip.
With water levels reported by witnesses to be lower than usual, the raft hit an empty raft in front of it which seems to of stalled the conveyor belt. Sources close to the investigation have told the Australian that maintenance issues apparent after the ride was drained such as with the water pump, water level and the motor are being investigated by examiners. Craig Davidson, Chief CEO, who attended the funeral of Ms Low, refused to say if the ride had been altered.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sub...d4ad0f4f4f718d6862fed1fb99d&memtype=anonymous

 

[CARIIS]

CEo just speculating cause her career path was so not related to this position speculation only humm hummm a relationship? speculation

 

[symbah]

[h=1]From lipstick to Dreamworld: The unlikely rise of Ardent Leisure CEO Deborah Thomas[/h]

Read more: http://www.afr.com/leadership/manag...-deborah-thomas-20161028-gsd9j1#ixzz4P4UqOTeN
Follow us: @FinancialReview on Twitter | financialreview on Facebook

 

[Bohemian]

I know what's happened and is still happening at Dreamworld is extremely upsetting. All we are witnessing here are Ardent's death throes. Their reckoning will come and those responsible will have no choice but to fall on their swords.

 

[symbah]

Statement on behalf of the Goodchild, Turner and Dorsett families regarding the Dreamworld tragedy

In the next few days we have to bury our beautiful children, and for Dave, his amazing partner. Roozi's family have to farewell their incredible and inspirational son and brother. We also all have to help two little girls start to come to terms with the fact that their mum is never coming home.
For this reason, we ask from the bottom of our hearts, on behalf of all our families, that the country give us time and space to grieve, and to farewell our loved ones.
In particular, we ask that the media respect our wish to hold private farewells for Kate, Luke and Roozi. We understand the media interest their funerals will attract, but plead that we are allowed to grieve in private, at this most difficulttime.
We do not wish to make any comment about the actions of Dreamworld or its owners at this stage and prefer to wait until further details emerge from the investigation and Coronial process.
There have been some question about whether the company has tried to contact us or offered any assistance. At this difficult time we would prefer that any future contact from the company or the media be made through oursolicitor.
Once we have had the opportunity to better come to terms with our losses, we will be willing to engage with the media.
In the meantime we would like to thank the media in advance for respecting our wishes.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act...g-the-dreamworld-tragedy-20161027-gscqtn.html

 

[JohnPaul]

sad but unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world and we never will,

human and mechanical errors/accidents will always happen, can we learn a bit from them?....sure, but that will never prevent accidents 100% in the future,

bus, car, train, plane, ride, walking, running, swimming, jumping, diving, biking, construction, factory, industrial.....i could go on for days.....accidents will always happen, they are a part of the world and society.....live everyday to the fullest

 

[symbah]

THE devastated mother of Dreamworld ride victm Roozi Arahi tearfully described the death of her son as ‘premature and unnecessary’ as friends and family farewelled the 38-year-old at a ceremony in North Ryde.

Flanked by family members as she spoke before a large crowd at Macquarie cemetery, Gay Araghi remembered her son as ‘loving, loved by all and a beautiful spirit’ as music from his favourite singer, Madonna, played both before, during and after the service.
The Canberra-based communications officer was one of four people killed in the Dreamworld theme park tragedy last Tuesday in what was the worst theme park accident in 37 years.

His partner Luke Dorsett, 35, and Dorsett’s sister Kate Goodchild, 32, were also killed in the accident as well as young mother-of-two Cindy Low.
“Roozi’s death is painful, premature and unnecessary,” an emotional Mrs Araghi said yesterday, before paying tribute to the many friends of her son who had travelled from Canberra where he and Mr Dorsett lived.
“He loved his family and he loved his friends and he would have been so happy to see so many of you here today.”
Mr Araghi’s brother Simon paid tribute to his “baby brother” whose loss, he said, would be forever be deeply felt.
He also paid tribute to Dorsett and Goodchild who he said were ‘a part of our family and we were a part of theirs.”
In a nod to Mr Raghi’s favourite TV show, there was a large picture of Lisa Simpson printed on the funeral booklet with the quote: “But when I grow up, I’ll find other weird kids and we will have the most intense relationships ever.”
Meanwhile, Madonna’s True Blue’ and ‘Ray of Light’ book ended the ceremony which was followed by a wake at Erskinville’s Imperial Hotel.

A close friend, Samual Walker, rembered the Canerra-based communications officer as someone who loved an ‘uncompromising life’.
“He loved his partner and he loved his friends and the loved his family and at the end of the day that was all that really mattered to him and he was very loved by all of them,” Mr Walker said.
“His loss will be deeply felt among his friends. There will never be anyone else like him.”
Mr Araghi was the second of the Dreamworld park victims to be farewelled following a ceremony for Cindy Low on the NSW Central Coast last week.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...h/news-story/9b0c911809d9fadbeaf8d0300001726f

 

[symbah]

A bit off topic, but while looking into Dreamworld, I stumbled across this on the inbreeding of white tigers. The breeding of white tigers was banned in 2011 by the AZA. White tigers are not a species and are created through inbreeding. Its a cruel practice with terrible genetic consequences and is practised for profit purposes only. As an animal lover and supporter, I'm shocked that Dreamworld are participating in this side show alley exploitation of tigers for profit. But then, it really is no surprise considering.

The facts on white tigers: Inbreeding 'for beauty and tourism dollars'

Dr Ron Tilson, renowned conservationist and tiger expert, described the white tiger controversy as "small part ethics and large part economics".
"The tiger Species Survival Plan has condemned breeding white tigers because of their mixed ancestry, most have been hybridised with other subspecies and are of unknown lineage, and because they serve no conservation purpose," he said.
"Owners of white tigers say they are popular exhibit animals and increase zoo attendance and revenues as well.
"For private owners to say 'we're saving tigers', is a lie. They are not saving tigers; they're breeding them for profit."
Dreamworld responds

Dreamworld did not respond to questions from ABC on inbreeding, genetic defects or how their two new white tiger cubs were bred.
Instead Dreamworld said: "White tigers are special not because they are white, but because they are tigers.
"Our new white cubs are part of the next generation for Tiger Island, helping to secure the future of this facility and continue our significant financial contributions to tiger conservation."

Read the full ABC article here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-19/white-tigers-inbred-for-beauty-and-tourism-dollars/7182594

 

[symbah]

sad but unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world and we never will,

human and mechanical errors/accidents will always happen, can we learn a bit from them?....sure, but that will never prevent accidents 100% in the future,

bus, car, train, plane, ride, walking, running, swimming, jumping, diving, biking, construction, factory, industrial.....i could go on for days.....accidents will always happen, they are a part of the world and society.....live everyday to the fullest

I agree JP, accidents will always happen. I could take this thought as far as to say 'where there is life, there is death' - in the end, none of us are exempt.
When accident occurs as the result of negligence from an other party, then I would hope for that negligence to be addressed legally with consequences.. Hopefully then, a lot could be' learnt' from that.

A BRISBANE lawyer has said that companies like Dreamworld are too concerned about their bottom line to worry about safety — and they’ve been allowed to get away with it.

Alison Barrett, from Maurice Blackburn, said standards are now so relaxed and penalties so minimal that firms become “complacent.”
After four people died on a ride at the Gold Coast theme park, the personal injury specialist said company directors needed to be held responsible for what happens on their watch.
“When it’s all about cost-cutting and a focus on the bottom line, safety can take a back seat,” she told news.com.au. “It’s not right and people die.
“That has consequences for loved ones. They suffer the pain for the rest of their life.
“The impacts on a child, relationships break down, we have clients who consider suicide. They are distraught. It is very hard to come back.”
Five years ago, Queensland Workplace Health and Safety used to have 100 or more prosecutions annually, she added. Now it is usually around 20 to 30.
“That’s not a reflection of better safety, it’s them being toothless, companies like Dreamworld not having the fear the stick will come out,” she said.

http://www.news.com.au/finance/work...n/news-story/f3f3d3c2774e1e826d00184725fb63f4

 

[Bohemian]

THE devastated mother of Dreamworld ride victm Roozi Arahi tearfully described the death of her son as ‘premature and unnecessary’ as friends and family farewelled the 38-year-old at a ceremony in North Ryde.

Flanked by family members as she spoke before a large crowd at Macquarie cemetery, Gay Araghi remembered her son as ‘loving, loved by all and a beautiful spirit’ as music from his favourite singer, Madonna, played both before, during and after the service.
The Canberra-based communications officer was one of four people killed in the Dreamworld theme park tragedy last Tuesday in what was the worst theme park accident in 37 years.

His partner Luke Dorsett, 35, and Dorsett’s sister Kate Goodchild, 32, were also killed in the accident as well as young mother-of-two Cindy Low.
“Roozi’s death is painful, premature and unnecessary,” an emotional Mrs Araghi said yesterday, before paying tribute to the many friends of her son who had travelled from Canberra where he and Mr Dorsett lived.
“He loved his family and he loved his friends and he would have been so happy to see so many of you here today.”
Mr Araghi’s brother Simon paid tribute to his “baby brother” whose loss, he said, would be forever be deeply felt.
He also paid tribute to Dorsett and Goodchild who he said were ‘a part of our family and we were a part of theirs.”
In a nod to Mr Raghi’s favourite TV show, there was a large picture of Lisa Simpson printed on the funeral booklet with the quote: “But when I grow up, I’ll find other weird kids and we will have the most intense relationships ever.”
Meanwhile, Madonna’s True Blue’ and ‘Ray of Light’ book ended the ceremony which was followed by a wake at Erskinville’s Imperial Hotel.

A close friend, Samual Walker, rembered the Canerra-based communications officer as someone who loved an ‘uncompromising life’.
“He loved his partner and he loved his friends and the loved his family and at the end of the day that was all that really mattered to him and he was very loved by all of them,” Mr Walker said.
“His loss will be deeply felt among his friends. There will never be anyone else like him.”
Mr Araghi was the second of the Dreamworld park victims to be farewelled following a ceremony for Cindy Low on the NSW Central Coast last week.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...h/news-story/9b0c911809d9fadbeaf8d0300001726f

Vale Roozi. Prayers for his family, friends and loved ones.

 

[Laughing]

sad but unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world and we never will,

human and mechanical errors/accidents will always happen, can we learn a bit from them?....sure, but that will never prevent accidents 100% in the future,

bus, car, train, plane, ride, walking, running, swimming, jumping, diving, biking, construction, factory, industrial.....i could go on for days.....accidents will always happen, they are a part of the world and society.....live everyday to the fullest

I agree that accidents will always happen.

However, when I buy a ticket I am buying an assurance of safety.

So far, it seems that DreamWorld fell short of that standard.

RIP, and blessing for friends & family

 

[JohnPaul]

I agree that accidents will always happen.

However, when I buy a ticket I am buying an assurance of safety.

really?....sorry but you are living in some form of fantasy or dream world,

i can't think of one place in the entire world i could go where my safety would be guaranteed 100%....the world is a dangerous place

when you buy an airline, train, or bus ticket, is that "buying an assurance of safety"

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