Local benefactor funds replacement of stolen memorial plaques
By Sonia Isaacs
IN a heartening display of generosity, a local benefactor has come forward to support Peachester History Committee (PHC) fund the replacement of 10 memorial plaques stolen from Peachester Cemetery late last year.
Committee member, Helen Page, said the memorials were removed just prior to Remembrance Day in November last year, and the history group had been liaising with Sunshine Coast Council to replace the missing brass and metal plaques.
The stolen memorial plaques honoured well-known community stalwarts from the Beerwah-Peachester district including Nev Anning, Jack Barry, Bill Neill, Cliff Barr and Keith Simpson.
Family members said they were left distressed and devastated when they discovered the theft.
Beerwah Cemetery was also targeted; provoking widespread community outrage at the insensitive and callous nature of the crime.
Mrs Page had said there had been some initial suggestion that family members should be asked to pay for the replacement of the plaques, with an estimated cost of up to $400 each.
“The history committee felt very strongly that family members shouldn’t be asked to pay,” she said.
“This would have been a dreadful additional burden after all they’ve already been through.”
Mrs Page said the initial
installation and upkeep of the memorial plaques had been an ongoing project for the PHC over the past 20 years.
“Fortunately we had extensive records and photos on file to assist us to replicate the plaques,” she said.
Mrs Page said the history committee worked in partnership with the Council who were trustees of the cemetery.
She said following discussions with Council, PHC were given the go-ahead to order the replacements, which were unexpectedly but gratefully funded by a local benefactor who wished to remain unnamed.
Mrs Page confirmed an order had been placed with a Brisbane company to reissue the memorials.
A 38 -year old Peachester man, was named in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on January 25 in relation to the alleged theft.
A 45-year old man was named as a co-accused in the alleged offences that saw approximately 26 brass plaques stolen from Beerwah and Peachester Cemetery with the matter listed in court for February 23.
GC&M News contacted Sunshine Coast Council to provide an update regarding the replacement status for the plaques removed from Beerwah cemetery.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said council was continuing to work with affected families in regards to the replacement and repair of damaged and stolen plaques from Sunshine Coast Cemeteries, including Beerwah.
“Given that this is an ongoing matter with Queensland Police Services and the courts, it would be inappropriate for Council to provide further comment,” the spokesperson said.
Council have urged anyone who may be affected by this matter to contact Council’s Cemetery Services on (07) 5459 2300 or email cemeteries@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
sonia@gcnews.com.au