$1.4m GoFundMe funds released for Hillcrest jumping castle tragedy families

Six Hillcrest Primary School students were killed and three injured when the castle and several inflatable Zorb balls became airborne during final-day celebrations in December.

In a post to the Support for Families - Hillcrest Primary School fundraiser page organiser Zoe Smith said after unexpected delays and legal issues work started last week to distribute the $1,460,160 raised.

"I can now announce that we have commenced meeting with the families to make all necessary arrangements for payment of monies to the families," Ms Smith said in the post.

"This work commenced last week and some families have already received payments.

"I would like you all to know that all of the families I have met with so far have expressed a very humble gratitude for the generosity of so many people who donated to the GoFundMe page.

"I confirm that proceeds will be divided equally between the nine affected families and will be applied in the way that those families think is best for them."

Ms Smith said the initial plan to move the money to the MyState Bank Community Fund was not possible.

"I am now in the situation where I have to deal with it myself," she said.

"But I am okay with that.

"I never thought that it would be the case, but it turns out that there were some complex legal issues to resolve, but I am happy to be able to share that these are all resolved now.

"The monies were transferred to my legal adviser's trust account.

"I am certain that the money is safe there until it is distributed to the families."

IN OTHER NEWS:

Ms Smith said all the money donated by 18,300 people would be distributed to the families.

"I also wish to let you know that my legal advisers have not and will not deduct any fees from the GoFundMe monies raised," she said in the post.

"To all of the wonderful and generous donors who have contributed to this important fundraising effort for the nine families affected by the tragic events at Hillcrest Primary School - I understand that there have been concerns expressed by many about the delay that this campaign has experienced and I thank you for your patience."