Highlands Dry Cleaning: owner speaks after alleged arson attack

The owner of a Southern Highlands dry cleaning business burnt down in what police allege was a deliberate and targeted attack has received an outpouring of sympathy from the community.

Mittagong RFS attended a fire at a business on Bong Bong St in Bowral on October 15.

The owner of a Southern Highlands dry cleaning business which burnt down in what police allege was a deliberate, targeted attack by her former partner has received an outpouring of sympathy from customers and the community alike.

Highlands Dry Cleaning in Bowral was completely destroyed by fire on October 15, despite the best efforts of Fire and Rescue NSW.

The business owner’s Mittagong home was also significantly burnt in a separate, subsequent fire that night – and police will allege her ex-partner is responsible for both attacks.

Craig Boland, 46, has been charged with two counts of breaking and entering to destroy property and two counts of damaging property by fire in relation to the incidents.

On Facebook, Highlands Dry Cleaning’s owner made a post which prompted a wave of heartfelt sympathies from the community.

“It is with my deepest sympathies to all of my customers who have had items in my store,” she wrote.

“At this stage the building and items have been destroyed.”

The woman said she would have further instructions about claims for destroyed items and asked for patience.

“So sorry to hear this has happened to you. You and your business are such an important part of our community. I do hope you can get up and running again soon,” one community member wrote.

“Thanks for posting at what must be a very difficult time for you. The loss of your business, to you and your staff, know that you have the strength of the community behind you,” another wrote.

Boland was refused bail at Downing Centre Local Court on October 18, after Magistrate Clare Farnan heard he had allegedly made a confession to police following his arrest.

The court then heard police will allege Boland left the Highlands Dry Cleaning owner – his former partner – a voicemail on October 1 saying “I’m going to go and burn your business down, that’s going to get your attention”.

After the two fires, Boland was arrested at St Vincents Hospital in Darlinghurst, where a court heard he had attended to seek psychological assistance.

Boland’s solicitor Mark O’Brien told the court Boland began dating the complainant some months ago after the end of his marriage at the start of 2022.

Their relationship had ended some weeks before Boland is alleged to have set her business and home alight.

Boland was remanded in custody to face Moss Vale Local Court on November 29 but he will first mount another bail application in the NSW Supreme Court.

That process will commence on October 24.