Lily’s Law push gains momentum after NSW teen hiker’s death, August 25

Lily Hooper, an 18-year-old tour guide from Sydney’s southwest, was found dead on August 20 in dense bushland at Nattai National Park, eight days after she went missing on a solo hike. Her family is now pushing for ‘Lily’s Law’ to mandate personal locator devices and safety education for bushwalkers. Wollondilly Council has announced it will establish a distress beacon borrowing program in her memory.

How Lily Hooper went missing and what the search revealed

Hooper left her home in Oakdale on August 12 for a day hike in Nattai National Park, about 37 miles northwest of Mittagong. Her car was found at the Bonnum Pic trailhead that night. An SES volunteer discovered her body in dense bushland at 11:30 a.m. on August 20. Police said she was found a long way from her vehicle. Authorities have not released a cause of death.

Police miscommunication compounded family’s grief

When Hooper’s body was found, a communication breakdown initially led her family to believe she had been found alive. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar said searchers believed she was alive and that information was relayed to the family. Within 8 to 10 minutes, police corrected the account. NSW Premier Chris Minns initially announced in parliament that Hooper had been found alive, then apologised for the error.

Family calls for ‘Lily’s Law’ to promote bush safety devices

Hooper’s father Jim Hooper told Seven on Sunday he wanted her death to raise awareness about bush safety. He referenced similar campaigns like Skye’s Law and Jack’s Law, saying ‘Lily’s Law’ should focus on personal locator beacons and tracking devices such as Garmin and Navman units. ‘The bush can swallow you up,’ he said. NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed he was in contact with the family and the state was planning to honour the teenager.

Council launches distress beacon program in Hooper’s memory

Wollondilly Council announced on August 25 it will establish a bushwalker safety program featuring a distress beacon borrowing scheme. Mayor Matt Gould said the idea was developed in response to Hooper’s death. Survival expert Mike Atkinson, known as Outback Mike, noted that budget-friendly options exist, including iPhone 14’s emergency SOS via satellite and Find My iPhone for tracking location during trips into remote areas.

Final Thoughts

Lily Hooper’s death has catalysed a push for mandatory safety education and personal locator devices for Australian bushwalkers. With Wollondilly Council now offering a distress beacon borrowing program, the focus shifts to whether other councils and the NSW government will adopt similar measures to prevent future tragedies.

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