KEY POINTS:
The New Zealander killed in the Australian train crash has been named as Nicholas William Parker.
Mr Parker, 32, was one of 11 people killed when a truck collided with the train he was travelling on near Kerang in Victoria. He died at the scene.
The Wellington man
was in Australia for a family member's engagement.
Mr Parker - in a family statement - this afternoon said Mr Parker had lived in Wellington, interrupted by periods of travel overseas.
He is survived by his partner Lisa, his parents Michael and Judy Parker, sisters Kirsten and Amadee, and grandmother Dawn Tucker.
"We are overwhelmed with support from all our Australian and New Zealand friends and family" Nick's sister Kirsten said.
"We are all devastated and still coming to terms with Nick's tragic death and do not wish to make any further public comment" a family spokesperson said.
Mr Parker worked in his family's furniture business in Thorndon and in his spare time was a keen skier, tramper and windsurfer.
He played cricket for the Waikanae club and snooker at the Porirua Club.
His family said Mr Parker "touched many people with his caring loving nature and sense of humour, developed from being a member of such a large community of family and friends".
There have been no reports of any other New Zealanders being involved in the crash.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday for victims, including Mr Parker.
Northern Victoria churches will come together for a service of remembrance, healing and hope at Kerang's Uniting Church, starting at 2pm (4pm NZT).
The service will give the local community an opportunity to remember the 11 who died and their families, said Uniting Church minister Reverend Jeff Dart.
Emergency services personnel will light candles and the congregation will pray for the healing of victims who remained in hospital.
"The community can have somewhere to gather and try and reflect on this, and we want to try and help them so they can come through it," Rev Dart said.
"I think people are still in a bit of shock, and it's a horrible thing to happen.
"It's not good to be famous for being infamous."
Gannawarra Shire Council mayor and Kerang resident Keith den Houting said the people of Kerang were doing well despite the tragedy.
"The community has been affected by it, that's for sure, and that will be so for quite some time," he said.
"But the town has not come to a stop. The shops are open, the traffic is flowing."
The crash happened when a truck ploughed into a Melbourne-bound V/Line passenger train at a level crossing.
Mr den Houting said concerns had never been raised about the level crossing where the accident happened, although the council had lobbied successfully to have others in the region upgraded.
"It's wide open, the visibility is excellent," he said.
"I don't have a problem with that crossing. We have got worse crossings than that one."
Those killed include Rose McMonnies, 17, and her father, Geoff McMonnies, of Robinvale. Another family member, Sharice McMonnies, 15, remains in the Royal Children's Hospital in a critical condition.
Also killed were 79-year-old grandmother Jean Webb and a 13-year-old boy.
Members from the Major Collision Investigation Unit and Disaster Victim Identification have returned to Melbourne.
Police say the Murray Valley Highway will be blocked to traffic for at least the next two days.
The government has announced three inquiries into the crash. As well as a coronial inquiry and a police investigation, Victoria's rail safety authorities will conduct an investigation overseen by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
Ms Steele said V/Line would conduct an internal investigation.
Authorities have warned it could be months before investigations into the crash are completed.
- NZPA / AAP / NZHERALD STAFF
