Mums of Woorabinda toddlers in Cherbourg at time of deaths

It is understood the heartbroken mothers of two toddlers who died in an unused vehicle in Woorabinda were in a different town at the time of the tragic incident.

It is understood the heartbroken mothers of two toddlers who died in an unused vehicle in Woorabinda were in a town five hours south at the time of the tragic incident.

One of the two young boys was from Cherbourg and was visiting family in Woorabinda, 170km southwest of Rockhampton, with his father, The Morning Bulletin has been told.

Police have said the other young boy lived in Woorabinda.

The devastated locals also have connections to people who have passed away in Cherbourg, west of Gympie, Palm Island, off the coast of Townsville, and Yarrabah, near Cairns.

One of the boys, aged two, was found unconscious in the vehicle about 6.30pm on Friday, November 10, and was driven to the local hospital.

Hospital staff and paramedics attempted to save the child but he could not be resuscitated and died before a rescue helicopter sent to the town could land.

Police and paramedics then returned to the property about 9.15pm where a second child, a three-year-old boy, was also found.

The community is reeling after the deaths of about 10 people in recent months.

Central Region Crime Co-ordinator Darrin Shadlow said scenes of crime officers had finished going over the Woorabinda house and car, and the vehicle was now in Rockhampton.

While most locals continue to grieve, four people from the community overpowered a teacher and allegedly stole his car, which they then used to drive to Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast and commit a string of property offences.

Detective Acting Inspector Luke Peachey. Picture: Aden Stokes

Detective Acting Inspector Luke Peachey from Capricorn Crime Group said there were still a number of investigators deployed to Woorabinda.

“We are working very closely with family in this tragic event and we will continue to do so,” he said.

“Most people are in mourning and that’s why it’s really disappointing four residents have taken it upon themselves to steal a car and commit further offences.

“Most of the good people out there in Woorabinda are really disgusted by the behaviour of these four residents and that’s why we are asking now for assistance so we can locate these people and make them answer for their crimes.”

Detective Acting Inspector Peachey said that on Saturday afternoon four residents at Woorabinda used force against a schoolteacher in the community, who was more than 60 years old, and stole his car.

Detective Acting Inspector Peachey said a struggle ensued and they overpowered the man.

He said some of the concerning offences committed by the group, which some are believed to be juveniles, included a break and enter at Raffles Hotel in Rockhampton, an attempt at The Lionleigh Pub and a further break and enter at Pine Beach Hotel in Emu Park.

The Welcome to Woorabinda sign. Photo: Geordi Offord

“A quantity of alcohol was stolen,” Detective Acting Inspector Peachey said.

“Again last night we have had further number of offences throughout Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast where we believe these same people responsible have committed a number of further offences, a number of attempts of further offences.

“Fortunately we had a number of police patrolling last night and we were able to deter them from a number of offences.”

He said the four people were seen a number of times, however, had they not been found.

Detective Acting Inspector Peachey said the stolen vehicle, a white Kia with the registration 235IM4, was also still outstanding.

“At this time we have not been able to locate these people and we are asking for public assistance,” he said.

“We know there are people out there assisting these people.

“We know there is people who know who these people are and where they are at.

“We just hope they come forward and let us know exactly where they are at so we can catch up with them before someone is hurt and further property is stolen.”