Jurien Bay’s Thelma Clausen and Coral Seinor remembered as community backbone following double fatal car crash

Tributes are flowing for two Jurien Bay Country Women’s Association founding members, who died together in a double-fatal car crash in the Wheatbelt last week. Jurien Bay’s Coral Seinor, 83, and Thelma Clausen, 82 are remembered as community-minded women joined at the hip for more than 40 years. The women spent their lives developing the Jurien Bay townsite into what it is today. Ms Clausen was a farmer’s wife, based 20km out of Jurien Bay, and used the CWA as her outlet to connect with other rural women. Ms Seinor’s family moved to Jurien Bay to open the power station, establishing electricity in the town. On Friday, they were travelling together in a Suzuki Ignis on Brand Highway, headed for Badjingarra to attend a CWA event, when the crash unfolded. The Suzuki, a Toyota Prado and a road train with two trailers collided just before 9am near the intersection of Waddi Road in Cooljarloo, 12km from Cataby. The women suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene. Close friend Pauline Ward said they never missed an annual conference and were deeply involved in the CWA. The two women had worked hard to raise enough funds to open a CWA centre in Jurien Bay. Fundraisers included collecting manure from shearing sheds to sell to locals, until the building was established in 1986. Ms Ward said both women held important positions throughout their time at CWA, including president and secretary. The women also established their own catering company, T&C Caters, and were renowned for their homecooked meals. “They were very talented, they were beautiful cooks and great crafters and enjoyed sharing their talents with everyone,” Ms Ward said. “Although they both moved to Perth last year, they will always be remembered as remarkable icons of Jurien Bay.” On Sunday, Jurien Bay CWA made a post in tribute of the women. “It’s such a tragedy to lose these two beautiful souls in the way which they taken,” Jurien Bay CWA wrote. The community followed, with an outpouring of love shared for the best friends. “These two ladies have been so inspiring during my childhood and every time I come home,” The Fisherman’s Daughter said. “It’s powerful to have strong women in your community to look up to and more so women reaching out to younger women to guide them and show them how community women can be of service.” Robyn McLeary said the women were the “’bestest’ of friends with the kindest souls”. “Always remember these ladies doing things together in my time in Jurien,” she said. Jeanette and Robert Sarnowski said they shared a true friendship, filled with love, laughter and a million memories. “Thank you to both of you beautiful ladies for bringing joy into so many lives in the Jurien Bay community and wider areas.” Brenda Lapwood said they were the meaning of community — always involved, open-minded and friendly. “A cuppa tea, catch-ups. Holiday to Kalgoorlie, the bus trips to Geraldton, wildflowers tours. Fetes & festivals. I have lots of memories of my dear friends,” she said. Sea Spray Art by Kiera said they were the matriarchs of Jurien Bay. Hazel Fauntleroy said: “From the moment we arrived in Jurien over 50 years ago they were there to help . . . so many family events happened with their help, whether it be making a wedding dress, or catering for a hungry mob”. “Always together now forever together. Two lovely ladies who did so much for their community,” Kay Simmons said. Pat Anning said the women, along with Ms Ward, were the backbone of the Jurien Bay community. Former Collingwood football player Shannon Cox has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death in relation to the crash. He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance in Perth Magistrates Court on June 18.