Police launch appeal for help after fire destroys Wagga man’s Raiders memorabilia
The Wagga community is rallying behind a “fanatical Canberra Raiders fan” who lost everything - including a huge amount of memorabilia - when fire tore through his house.
The Wagga News
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The Wagga community is rallying behind a well known charity fundraiser after he and his family lost their home — which included a huge amount of Canberra Raiders’ memorabilia — when it went up in flames at the weekend.
Emergency services were called to the house fire at Dalkeith Avenue in Lake Albert about 4.30am on Saturday. The house was destroyed and could not be saved, a Turvey Park Fire and Rescue statement said.
“Crews quickly got to work protecting neighbouring properties and through aggressive defensive firefighting the fire was contained to the structure of origin,” the statement said.
“Crews remained on scene for several hours carrying out overhaul and extinguishing hot spots.”
No injuries were reported, but unfortunately, prominent community member Scott Gerhardy and his parents lost their belongings as they were on holidays at the time.
Mr Gerhardy, who has worked with Riverina Co-Op for about 20 years, told The Wagga News the family was currently living in an apartment.
“We haven’t got a permanent home yet, and we’re living out of suitcases,” he said.
“My mum’s lost some jewellery and my dad’s lost his photos.”
As for his Raiders gear, Mr Gerhardy said he had mostly jerseys with past players’ signatures given to him by family.
“They’re all gone, including a picture of Ricky Stuart and a signed headgear from Alan Tongue,” he said.
Mr Gerhardy’s loss of his Raiders items comes as the team is scheduled to play against the Newcastle Knights in Wagga on April 18.
“My girlfriend and I are still going to go to the game. We went to the game last year when Ricky Stuart sent me a couple of tickets,” he said.
Mr Gerhardy, who was part of Wagga Takes Two last year, is scheduled to go back to work on March 30, but he said he may request more time off to come to terms with the situation.
As for finding a new home, he said he has a friend from work who may be able to offer his unit.
His girlfriend, Emily Bartley, said the situation was “very heartbreaking”.
Speaking at a media conference today, Wagga Police Inspector Adrian Telfer launched an appeal after speaking with Mr Gerhardy and his family.
“Unfortunately, there’s a lot of pieces to pick up here and what we’re really trying to do today is appeal,” he said.
“He's a fanatical Canberra Raiders fan and he's lost a huge amount of memorabilia — that property is really important to him.”
Fire crews and police continue to investigate the cause.
Inspector Telfer said it was difficult to determine the cause at this stage, but they do not believe it is suspicious.
Anyone interested in donating goods to Mr Gerhardy and his family may do so at Wagga Police Station at Tarcutta Street.