Bundaberg police investigate blaze at Tom Quinn Community Centre
Police are investigating a suspected arson attack after a once thriving Bundaberg community nursery was razed to a grey shell, leaving volunteers “devastated”.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Volunteers were said to be left “devastated” after vandals allegedly lit a fire at the Tom Quinn Community Centre’s plant nursery.
The blaze ripped through a shed, razing a hothouse and bush house to the ground.
It’s understood volunteers arrived at the centre on Monday morning to find the distressing scene.
Plant pots were smashed and locks busted off sheds.
The nursery’s mother plants and cuttings which were soon to be available for sale were also destroyed.
By offering an alternative school, upskilling opportunities and community assistance, the Tom Quinn Community Centre supports the community in a number of ways.
Centre manager Richard King said the callous act was “disappointing” and that he had been upset at the sight of the once thriving nursery now a grey shell.
“All the work that’s been done over the years has gone up in smoke,” he said.
“It’s very disappointing and quite hurtful that someone would do that to a charity.”
Mr King said the garden was there for the public to enjoy, and some of the plants destroyed in the blaze had taken more than 12 months to grow.
“It’s just not something you want to see,” he said.
“I hope the people who’ve done it feel as awful as they should.”
Mr King is encouraging anyone with information to come forward to police.
Bundaberg police confirmed they were treating the incident as suspicious.
A police spokesman said investigations were underway into the Killer St blaze, which they believed happened around 3.30pm Sunday.
“The fire occurred in a shed and caused damage. It is being treated as suspicious,” they said.
“Anyone with information or relevant footage in the area at the time should contact police.”
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Anyone with information can call Policelink on 131 444 and quote QP number QP2201871788.
‘Muffle her screams’: Uncle’s sick abuse of two sisters revealed
A former sports coach who sexually abused his young nieces for years has faced court as a frail old man on the cusp of death and heard of the horrific impact his actions had on the girls, who are now women.
Prisoner dies in Qld jail cell
A prisoner has died in custody at a Queensland jail despite efforts to save him.