Loved ones and politicians have arrived at the funeral service for the son of a former defence minister who was killed while parachuting during training.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon suffered critical injuries during special forces training at RAAF Base Richmond in northern Sydney on March 6.
A funeral service is about to begin at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cessnock, with a large contingent of MPs, defence personnel and locals in attendance.
Multiple streets and car parks in the town’s CBD were closed overnight in preparation for a full military funeral.
The 33-year-old was the only son of former Rudd government defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon between 2007 and 2009.
Mourners arrived at the service by the bus load, filing into St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cessnook under light showers.
High-ranking members of the country’s military and civilian leadership are expected to attend the somber, two-hour service.
The Defence Department confirmed an investigation had been launched into his cause of the death and all parachuting activities were temporarily paused.
In a statement released through the department, Joel Fitzgibbon said the family was “heartbroken at the loss of our wonderful Jack”.
“Serving in the special forces was Jack’s dream job and we take some comfort from the fact that he died serving his nation in a uniform of the ADF,” he said.
“Jack was a dedicated, highly skilled, and courageous soldier. He was an experienced parachutist.
“Our lives will never be the same without Jack, but we will always remain proud of him and his many achievements.”
Mr Fitzgibbon served with the 2nd Commando Regiment, which is part of the Special Operations Command in the Army.
“Jack was loved for his courage and known for his sense of humour and his service to the country,” Brigadier James Kidd told reporters the day after his death.