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Council rejects memorial application BY ALEX PURCELL AN application for a memorial to remember four people killed in a tragic accident in Cooroy has been rejected by Noosa Council. Derek Lange, 11, his mother June, 30, Shayne Parker, 9, and Ricky von Blanckensee, 18, were all killed in a tragic accident at Cooroy Creek on Saturday 5 December 1981. With the support of their families, the Cooroy Rag submitted an application to Noosa Council requesting approval for a plaque to be erected at the site of the tragedy. However, the application was not approved by Noosa Council’s Plaque and Memorials Working Team because it “doesn’t meet the criteria of a ‘significant historical or cultural event’, as set out in the Noosa Council’s Plaques and Memorials Policy”. “There is no question that this event was a tragedy for the family and friends of the deceased and very sad for the Cooroy community,” said the responding Council officer, Oscar Rogers. Shayne’s sister, Kym Parker said that their family is very disappointed with the Council rejecting the application. “Since the initial article [in the Cooroy Rag], we have received
plenty of calls with lots of very positive feedback from those who remember the tragedy. “Although it was a long time ago, the worst tragedy that happened in Cooroy’s history should be remembered.” “We feel a memorial on the site would be appropriate, considering that is where the accident occurred. Surely the cost or upkeep of a simple memorial isn’t too much to ask.” June’s husband and Derek’s father, Terry Lange, said that he thinks rejecting the memorial application is “poor form” on Council’s behalf. “Personally, I think that it's very poor form by the Council to reject something that is an important part of Cooroy's history.” Despite having her blessing, Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said that there is nothing she can do to overturn the decision. “While it is disappointing, it is a staff decision and one that we have to abide by. “However, I would be honoured to be involved in this memorial and play any part that the family would like me to, in its launch. “I can’t imagine what these families have gone through. It is an unspeakable tragedy, one that has rocked our community. “It hasn’t been forgotten and it
won’t be forgotten.” As a result of Council’s action, the Cooroy Rag is now taking a memorial for Derek, Shayne, June and Ricky into their own hands. With the generous assistance of the Cooroora Woodworkers Club, a beautiful timber seat will be built to honour the four lives lost and their families. Cooroora Woodworkers Club Inc. President, Steve Chapman, said that they are thrilled to be able to assist with this. “This tragic event is part of our local history and supporting our local community is what we’re about. “We are very happy and enthusiastic to come on board with this project and hope to use wood from a local tree for it.” June’s daughter and Derek’s sister, Rachelle Dewhurst, said that she is moved by the gesture of the Cooroy Rag and the Cooroora Woodworkers Club to proceed with establishing a memorial bench. “This endeavour has a community spirit, just like Cooroy all those years ago. It is nice to know that in this present day, this spirit does still exist. Thank you to all those involved for your efforts. They are most appreciated.” Shayne’s father, George Parker, said that he would like to be in-
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Clockwise from top left: Derek, June, Ricky and Shayne will be remembered with a new memorial seat outside the Cooroy Rag office.
volved in the construction. “Whether it's helping with design, dropping in to have a chat or woodworking, which I’ve done a bit of, I would like to be involved in helping with the bench.” The plan is to install the bench outside the Cooroy Rag office,
which is not far from the site of the tragedy. The bench, owned by the community, will be a reminder to all to remember Derek, Shayne, June and Ricky and to reflect on all that has been lost since that terrible day.
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www.sunnycoastaccountants.com.au Cooroy Rag, 09 February 2022 - Page
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