Home is where the hearts are

Community rallies to support local couple in troubled times

By Lewis Kwarcianyi and Sonia Isaacs

A GLASS House Mountains couple has expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming support from their local community, which has rallied around them in the face of significant personal challenges. 

Business operators, including local real estate agents, tradespeople, and residents, have united to help Darryl and Rhonda Fredericks complete what was once intended to be their dream home; now being prepared for sale due to unforeseen circumstances. Just over a year ago, Darryl, a builder who ran a renovation company in North Brisbane with the support of his wife, Rhonda, faced a major setback when a client refused to pay for a completed project, leaving them with over $100,000 in unpaid bills. 

Despite seeking assistance from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), the couple received little support, and their business began to struggle, having already invested heavily in labour and materials. Around the same time, Darryl was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma and leukemia, leaving him unable to work or continue renovations on their Glass House Mountains home. 

As his condition deteriorated, even basic tasks, such as climbing stairs, became increasingly painful. In desperation, the Fredericks reached out to their local community via Facebook, seeking help to complete the renovations so they could sell their home and downsize to a single level property better suited to Darryl’s needs. 

After seeing the online post, Krystle Kirk from The McGill Group, felt compelled to help and set to work on spearheading a project to support the couple. In an uncommon show of solidarity, agents across the Hinterland have united to promote and sell the Fredericks’ property. 

The McGill Group along with McGrath Estate Agents, Pine Property Partners, LJ Hooker, Hazelden Realty and Ray White Beerwah have all committed to the cause. “As a Hinterland community, we stand strong, and collectively we’ve united to ensure this exceptional property finds a new family to cherish it for generations to come,” Ms Kirk said. 

“When I first learned of the Fredericks’ story, I committed to helping them transition to their next home without financial burden. “I am deeply honoured to assist Darryl and Rhonda by listing and selling their property at no cost.” 

“Through our network of professionals, we’ve managed to cover all associated costs, including photography, videography, and marketing,” she said. Thanks to the remarkable commitment of friends, family, local businesses, and third-party services, the home – ‘Ngurakalya House’ is now ready for sale. 

A special preliminary open-home event was held on Oct 3, not only to launch the property but also to celebrate the community collaboration. Darryl and Rhonda expressed their gratitude for the generosity from their community. “It’s terrific, just terrific—everyone has been terrific,” Darryl said. 

“We thought this was going to be our forever home, but after Darryl’s diagnosis last August, our circumstances changed enormously,” Rhonda explained. “This is definitely more than just a house, it’s a home created by a labour of love.” 

Ms Kirk encouraged locals to check out the 31 Romar Rd, Glass House Mountains property online and help connect the Fredericks with potential buyers. “Let’s work together to help Darryl and Rhonda move into a new chapter of their lives while ensuring their home continues to be a place filled with love and memories.”