The fight isn’t over.
That’s the message from Andrew Dimovski after an ePetition in honour of his son Bryson, which demanded harsher punishments for those who flee the scene of fatal crashes, hit 20,000 signatures.
The 14-year-old was killed at Warners Bay in 2023 when struck by a Ford Falcon driven by Jaycob Gemza, 21, who had been using his phone at the time.
Later, the Newcastle District Court heard the vehicle drifted about 1m into the fog lane, hitting the teen on his e-scooter before the driver stopped briefly and left the area without phoning Triple Zero.
Gemza was sentenced on 7 April to a maximum of five years in prison, with a non-parole period of three years and three months.
Mr Dimovski, along with family and friends, then established the ePetition, Reform Laws for Drivers Who Flee Fatal Crash Scenes, so it could be debated in NSW Parliament.
And, his first goal has been achieved.
“20,000 signatures is a powerful statement that Bryson’s story has been heard,” he said.
“Thank you to everyone who signed, shared and went the extra mile to ensure this occurred.
“It shows thousands of people believe families deserve better… and that accountability matters.
“For those asking what happens next, these are the anticipated key dates.
“The Legislative Assembly will receive the petition on 4 August (the first sitting day).
“Then the government’s written response is due about 8 September, 35 days after the petition is received.
“We’re expecting it to be debated in Parliament on 17 September (4pm) during the sitting week.
“Although we’ve reached 20,000 signatures, the ePetition remains open and every signature still counts.
“Please keep signing and sharing.
“Every additional signature strengthens the message that what happened to Bryson is not okay and that the system must change.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with him and our family.
“This achievement belongs to all of you.”
In April, Mr Dimovski stated the law failed his son.
“He was riding his e-scooter on the shoulder of Macquarie Road when he was struck by a driver who was distracted, not watching the road, and drifted into the breakdown lane,” he said.
“That person stopped but then ran from the scene and failed to call for help.
“Instead, he hid his car, arranged to be picked up and searched online to avoid the consequences.
“Bryson was not found for more than seven hours.
“He lay alone in a ditch on a cold winter’s night.
“But, the driver was sentenced to a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three years and three months.
“While he’ll be eligible for parole in February 2029, Bryson will be gone forever.
“Is that fair?”
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