Pressure mounts on the State Government to demolish Cairns home SCOTT FORBES THE CAIRNS POST DECEMBER 22, 2014 6:00AM The State Government is facing mounting pressure to demolish 34 Murray St so no other families have to live at the site of one of Australia’s most horrific tragedies. Numerous people on social media have taken up the argument to demolish the house and replace it with something far more positive for the community. Cairns MP Gavin King will this morning make an announcement about the tragic site’s future. “I have been working with family representatives, local residents, state agencies, the council and Housing Minister Tim Mander about the future of this tragic site,” he said. “I feel we need to remove the house and work on building an appropriate memorial at that location. “Ultimately we will be guided by the family, traditional owners and the local community on the exact path forward. “A memorial at this site will be an important step in helping everyone through the grieving process and, eventually, towards healing.” Local resident Bernice Wallace had already contacted Mr King and suggested the government send bulldozers in to demolish the house and make way for a memorial park in honour of the eight children. “My youngest son went to school with the 14-year-old girl and it breaks my heart,” she said. “At the end of the day it’s the family decision, (but it) would be just nice if the Government gave them the option.” The push has gained a lot of traction on Facebook with many people calling for the site to be made into a playground or simple place of quiet reflection. Mr King said he hoped donations would come from the public. “We would also like to see some of those financial contributions go towards a public memorial,” he said. Denise Greenwood called on the community to lobby the State Government. “No one will ever want to live there again. How can we get this off the ground?”, she asked. “If not a garden at least a plaque with some quiet space maybe a bench seat or two? “Please people spread the word. “Together we can make this happen. “I am now going to send an email to all locals we know regarding the above. Everyone please do the same. “Anyone who’s reading all this do the same, (the) snowball effect is what we need.” Tullia Grego wrote, “awesome idea and a light of hope in all this darkness.” Trish Ansell also supported the call to action. “What a beautiful idea. I’m willing to help in any way,” she said. To donate call 1800 54 33 54 MEMORIAL MOVE: People have taken to social media with suggestions the house be demolished to make way for something far more positive. Picture: Brian Cassey
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 22:00:36 +0000
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