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Thoughts and prayers

The tragic news of the murder of two young children rocks the banding movement.

 

It was revealed on the evening news tonight that the children of Darrell Hodges, Band Secretary and tuba player with Waratah Brass — Newcastle, were the victims of the Cowra axe murders.

His five-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son, together with their maternal grandmother, were killed in the axe attack at their home in Cowra, in central-western New South Wales yesterday.

I'm sure at this most difficult time we will all surround Darrell with our love, our support and our prayers.Don Callaghan, Secretary BANSW

According to news.com.au, their 69-year-old grandfather has been charged with their murders and the attempted murder of their mother, a police officer.

"I"m still waiting for someone to come and switch the remote and turn the movie off, because that's what it feels like — someone's bad movie," the children's father, who is separated from their mother, told Channel 7 tonight.

"I'm devastated, so many things ...," Darrell said, before breaking down.

"They were really, really close," he said.

"They adored each other, they looked out for each other."

Secretary of the Band Association of New South Wales, Don Callaghan issued the statement, "It is with a heavy heart that I release this statement as the news of this horrendous event have unfolded. I'm sure at this most difficult time we will all surround Darrell with our love, our support and our prayers."

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