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Community rallies around: Upper Mt Gravatt State School fire

There has been an outpouring of support for the Upper Mount Gravatt State School community after a fire destroyed multiple classrooms last night.

The principal of a Brisbane school gutted by fire last night has expressed “great sadness” over the damage caused to the “wonderful school”.

Upper Mt Gravatt State School principal Derek Brady is adamant “together we will figure this out and come back better than ever”.

The southside community is rallying behind the independent public school with offers of support and assistance pouring in.

The fire at Upper Mt Gravatt State School. Picture: QPS
The fire at Upper Mt Gravatt State School. Picture: QPS

Queensland Police confirmed they are treating the fire as suspicious after ‘multiple intrusions’ were detected in the moments before the fire broke out at E Block (Prep, Year 2 and Year 3).

“Thanks to everyone for your kindness as we come together to deal with this,” Mr Brady said.

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A couple of classrooms at Upper Mount Gravatt State School went up in flames and fire is thought to be suspicious, Upper Mount Gravatt Friday 14th June 2019 Picture AAP/ David Clark
A couple of classrooms at Upper Mount Gravatt State School went up in flames and fire is thought to be suspicious, Upper Mount Gravatt Friday 14th June 2019 Picture AAP/ David Clark

“Please stay clear while the relevant services perform their duties and spare a thought for the fantastic response by our emergency services. With your support, ‘we got this’.”

Hundreds of comments of support from nearby schools, businesses and the broader community have been posted to social media since the fire broke out about 7.10pm yesterday.

Julie Beveridge said: “On behalf of the P&C from Mount Gravatt East State School I’d like to offer our support and assistance.

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Upper Mt Gravatt State School was badly damaged by fire. Photo: Cloe Read
Upper Mt Gravatt State School was badly damaged by fire. Photo: Cloe Read

“If there is anything we can do to help you and your school community next week — just reach out! Take care of each other.”

Kym Amor added: “As the previous principal of Mansfield State School, I am devastated to hear of this loss for your wonderful school. Please advise if there is anything I can do to support your school community.”

Upper Mount Gravatt State School was badly damaged by fire. Photo: Cloe Read
Upper Mount Gravatt State School was badly damaged by fire. Photo: Cloe Read

State Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan has said: “Stay strong, we’ll get through this”.

“Our local fire service have done a great job containing the fire,” she said.

“There is a lot of work to be done.

“I assure our community that the (Palaszczuk Government) will stand by our community.”

Mrs McMillan said the school site would be quarantined for investigations over the weekend and the school would remain closed on Monday at this stage.

Clean up will begin late Sunday afternoon.

New demountables will be going in on Tuesday and the fire-ravaged building will be demolished and removed this week or early next week.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/southeast/community-rallies-around-upper-mt-gravatt-state-school-fire/news-story/aa66f1820daa67e2ebc805b017b3af07