Family, friends and former school mates will remember Wauchope High School student Bronson Rhodes at separate memorial events in coming weeks.
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The 14 year old went missing while swimming with friends at Flynns Beach on December 16, 2017.
Despite a comprehensive search of the area – which lasted for several days – no trace could be found of the missing teenager.
The coordinated search effort was staggering in its swiftness, its professionalism and its desire to achieve something for the family.
A preliminary inquest hearing was held into Bronson’s disappearance on December 7.
Five days have been set aside for the full inquest in Port Macquarie Coroner’s Court on April 29. The family hope that a coroner's report may highlight some areas that could prevent this tragedy from being repeated.
In the meantime, the family said they were concentrating on two events to remember Bronson, one at Wauchope High on Thursday December 13 and a public memorial service at Flynns Beach starting at 11am on Thursday December 27.
His mother Rachel says everyone is welcome to attend.
"We want people to bring along balloons and flowers to this event."
Rachel said she was proud to learn that Bronson's football club, the Wauchope Junior Rugby League Football Club, had instigated a 10 year memorial trophy in his name.
"The trophy is for commitment to the under 14s team," she said.
"As a family, we want to thank the club for their fundraising efforts too.
"The funds raised so far have helped us pay for a memorial signage, a set of stickers, a limited edition set of hats and a bronze plaque.
"That plaque will be placed on a picnic table at Flynns Beach but will find a more permanent home at the beach once council completes some major upgrade works."
