Children of alleged murder victim Kelly Wilkinson to enjoy new six-bed home

Kelly Wilkinson’s sister, who is now caring for Kelly’s three children plus five of her own, says being gifted a new home is “bittersweet” as she continues to grapple with her sister’s alleged murder.

THIS is the moment the three children of slain mother Kelly Wilkinson joined their aunty, uncle and five cousins, to pore over plans for a new home made possible by Gold Coast goodwill.

Construction of the two-storey, six-bedroom home will start soon thanks to the generosity of dozens of local businesses mobilised by Top 100 Women founder and construction industry trailblazer Tamika Smith.

Danielle Carroll and husband Rhys Carroll with their five children and the three children of her sister Kelly Wilkinson at Metricon Homes. Picture: Glenn Hampson

She mounted a campaign to provide the family with a much-needed bigger house after Ms Wilkinson’s horrific death in late April prompted her sister Danielle Carroll and her husband to add her three kids to their own five.

In a tender moment played out in front of emotional onlookers last week, the now family-of-10 excitedly pored over blueprints while visiting Metricon Homes to finalise plans.

Metricon Homes signed on as lead builder for the project in May, joining Ms Smith’s mission to provide the family – living in a four-bedroom home – a more appropriately sized place to live.

And while it was a visit filled with laughter and even a spontaneous dance party, Ms Carroll admitted “It is starting to get more difficult as time goes on, now things are settling, (the kids) are sort of understanding the magnitude of what has happened.”

Kelly Wilkinson's family are struggling to come to terms with her alleged murder earlier this year.

“Going from five to eight (kids) is not a big jump to be honest. Our kids have always just got along so well that they’re fine,” she said.

Metricon Homes general manager Luke Fryer said the build, yet to have an expected end date, featured multiple living spaces.

“Accommodation is critical for this family – huge kitchen because they’ll be cooking meals for such a large family,” Mr Fryer said. “We’re looking at really functional ways to try to make the way they’re going to live, work for them, which is obviously quite unique.”

The three children of Kelly Wilkinson will have a “fresh start” as construction of their new home nears.

Mrs Smith, who has personal connection to the Wilkinson’s, launched an appeal for labour, supplies and vacant land in the wake of the tragedy and within 48 hours had secured all of the above.

More than 30 suppliers have since put their hands up to help; National Tiles to provide tiles and flooring, Plungie to donate a pool, Fujitsu for airconditioning, Infinity for landscaping, Carpet Call, Harvey Norman, Caesarstone and Civic Showerscreens.

“I think like most people, as soon as we heard of the situation Danielle and Rhys had found themselves in and we learned of Tamika’s connection to them, we just wanted to help,” Mr Fryer said.

“We’re in a privileged position where we’re able to help them, in a material way, by building them a new home. When Tamika put the call out, we couldn’t jump at it quick enough. It’s just the right thing to do.”

While a new home will undoubtedly help the family navigate their new reality, Mrs Carroll admits their hectic schedule often provides a much-needed distraction: “Driving is the worst. I find every time I get behind the wheel – I think it’s because my mind shuts off from what’s going on – I just cry.”

Ms Smith confirmed plans would likely be submitted to council for approval within three to four weeks.

“We went in guns ablazing and I probably followed the lead of Rhys and Danielle more so. They were the first ones who stepped up and said look we’re going to do this without knowing how,” Mrs Smith said. “We stood up and said we were going to help, probably more so without realising how so, but it’s been so fantastic to see an entire city come together to help make this happen.”

It is alleged Brian Earl Johnston set fire to Ms Wilkinson, 27, in her Arundel backyard. He is charged with murder and breaching a domestic violence order.