The first memorial for one of the young victims of the Hunter Valley bus crash is set to go ahead at a Sydney beach as an independent safety probe into the tragedy begins.
Zach Bray was working as a mining engineer in the region before his life was cut short alongside nine others when the coach he was in rolled while returning people home after a friend's wedding.
Any funeral for the 29-year-old bowel cancer survivor could be weeks away as investigations into the horror crash continue, delaying plans for families to lay their loved ones to rest.
But a "paddle-out ceremony" is set to go ahead on Saturday to honour Mr Bray's life at a popular Sydney beach where the keen surfer once called home.
His sister Montana Bray announced the event on Facebook on Friday, saying the family would be celebrating his life at North Curl Curl beach on Sydney's northern beaches.
"Because this tragic event has become an extensive criminal investigation by law enforcement, we are not able to confirm a funeral date, so in the interim we’ve decided to get together and celebrate his life with a paddle-out ceremony," Ms Bray said.
"This is the place where Zach grew up, was a nipper and enjoyed surfing with his mates."
Friends and relatives shared their memories of the engineer, described as "a selfless person and a great mate to many".
"Such a top bloke that always gave his all and would give anyone the shirt off his back or help out at the drop of a hat," one man said.
"One of the best men I’ve ever met. The world was better with him in it," another added.
The Warrandyte Cricket Club also described "an incredibly emotional week" after one of its members, Darcy Bulman, was killed in the crash and five others - including the club president - remain in hospital.
"Many members connected through the Warrandyte Cricket Club have been injured, have undergone surgeries and sadly, there has been a loss of life," club treasurer David Molyneux said.
As of Friday, five members are continuing to receive treatment in hospital but "are all making positive steps towards recovery" the club said.
Local AFL and rugby league clubs across NSW are set to pay their respects to the 10 lives lost, with players and referees wearing black arm bands and participating in a minute's silence before their games.
The Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI) Acting Chief Investigator has initiated a separate investigation into the crash.
It will examine the sequence of events leading up to the crash, passenger restraint devices used and road design and conditions.
It will also look into the vehicle's condition, roadworthiness and design as well as the operator accreditation and safety management systems.
An OTSI investigation is independent of any investigation or inquiry that a regulator, NSW Police or the coroner may undertake.
A report will be published and tabled in the NSW Parliament by the Minister for Transport on completion of the investigation.
