Tas marks one-year Hillcrest anniversary

The "undeniable spirit" of a northwest Tasmanian community has been praised 12 months on from a jumping castle accident that claimed the lives of six children.

Friday marks one year since a freak wind gust hit the castle and several inflatable balls during end-of-year celebrations at Hillcrest Primary School.

Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones and Chace Harrison were killed while three of their classmates were badly injured.

The school is holding a private ceremony, a day after a public commemoration in Devonport.

Family, friends, first responders, members of the public and politicians paid their respects at the city's Market Square, with flowers and messages of support placed at a heart sculpture.

It was inspired by a broken heart image shared widely on social media following the tragedy.

"The image of Tasmania's broken heart became such a symbol of the outpouring of grief felt by Tasmanians," Premier Jeremy Rockliff said on Thursday.

"(As well as) all the messages of love and comfort that came flooding in from across our nation and indeed across the world."

Mr Rockliff gave credit to the "undeniable spirit" of the Devonport community.

Streams of people visited the school to show their support in the aftermath, while more than $1.4 million was raised for the victims' families.

The school has asked that people respect their wish for privacy on the anniversary.

Mr Rockliff read a message from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

"This is the hardest of anniversaries. Your community is in the hearts and minds of Australia as we remember six beautiful children," he said.

"It is the end of a hard year. Grief may one day soften but it does not fade."

Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman said December 16, 2021 would be "etched into our memory forever".

"(It is) the day our heart broke. It rocked our close-knit community," she said.

A specialist committee tasked with helping recovery has urged people to seek professional support or reach out to family and friends if needed.

A coronial inquest, which is yet to set dates for public hearings, will investigate the tragedy and hear from witnesses including weather experts.

Consultation about a permanent memorial will begin next year.