Nurse Elaine Gee's funeral and community fundraiser in Tasmania

Elaine Gee, a 39‑year‑old nurse who worked for more than two decades at Launceston General Hospital, died in early August. Her funeral was held on 7 August at the Tailrace Centre in Launceston and was attended by more than 600 family members, friends and colleagues. Speakers included her mother, brother Andrew, husband Rodney Gee and funeral home staff member Philip Lethborg, who said, "The heartache … the love and life shared with this amazing lady…".

Within hours of the tragedy, community member Kelly Baker organised a raffle fundraiser. The event raised over $6,000, with more than 54 prizes donated by local businesses across northern Tasmania. Baker said, "Finding out it was Elaine just completely threw me" and added, "It's been non‑stop." The money was intended to ease the financial strain on Rodney Gee, who had to take time off work, and their two sons.

The combined mourning and generous community response highlighted the strong ties Elaine Gee had built in the West Tamar and wider Launceston area.