$1.4 million raised for families affected by Hillcrest to be released

The fund, started by Devonport woman Zoe Smith have been tied up in legal issues until this point, with the money unable to be distributed to the families affected by the jumping castle tragedy which shook Hillcrest Primary School and the broader community late last year.

Premier Peter Gutwein on Saturday confirmed the outstanding legal issues surrounding the release of funds have now been resolved, with the government working closely with Ms Smith and her legal representatives.

"The donations raised by the GoFundMe campaign are nothing less than extraordinary, and can now be distributed to the people that they were raised for," Mr Gutwein said.

"I'm very pleased that those funds will now be able to be released to the families that have been impacted."

Previously, criticism has arisen over delays in funds reaching the families, as well as a lack of clarity about how the funds will be distributed.

Mr Gutwein said Ms Smith's legal representatives would begin making contact with the families in coming days "to commence the funds distribution process".

"We have seen recently in other states just how difficult it can be for public donations to reach the people they were raised for, and we have ensured those difficulties are not repeated with these funds."

Speaking ahead of the Richmond-Hawthorn clash, he said the community continued to stand by the families.

"I think you can see from the people behind me how important this day is for the Devonport community.

"The Hillcrest tragedy touched not only people here in this community and across the state, but also across the nation and across the world," he said.

He said the huge crowds for the game was a testament to the depth of feeling in the community, as visitors from across the state turned out to pay their respects.

"Our thoughts have been with the families since that day in December.

"They are with the families today, and I know that the thoughts of everyone, both here at the ground but across the state, across the country and across the world will remain with those families forever."