Work begins on new home for family of Kelly Wilkinson

Sixteen months after the torment of losing their mum, the young children of Kelly Wilkinson have been given reason to hope for a better future. HOW TO HELP

SIXTEEN months after the torment of losing their mum, the young children of Kelly Wilkinson have been given reason to hope for a better future.

Ms Wilkinson died after being set on fire in the backyard of her Arundel home on April 20 last year.

Her estranged husband Brian Earl Johnston has been charged with her murder.

Following her death, Kelly’s three children were taken in by her sister Danielle Carroll and her husband Rhys, joining the couple’s five children in their four-bedroom home, where sleeping arrangements spilled out into the lounge.

After a campaign spearheaded by Tamika Smith, of My Bella Casa, and supported by businesses such as Metricon Homes and the Gold Coast Bulletin, land was donated and tradies offered to build a new home for the family.

The Wilkinson children listen on as Greg Heaton from Metricon, along with Danielle Carroll (left) and organizer Tamika Smith, explains what builders are doing during the construction of their new house. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

On Wednesday, that dream took a step closer to reality when foundations were poured.

Danielle said it was a great moment for the family.

“It’s pretty amazing,” she said. “It’s been in talks for the past year so to see it coming to fruition now, really, it makes it real.

“When we were packing up Kelly’s place she actually had this huge plaque and it said, ‘Together is a wonderful place to be’. We put it up in our loungeroom because I think it’s just coming together as the one family now and I think that’s our new motto. I think she (Kelly) would be really happy.”

Husband Rhys said the family was very thankful to everyone who had helped.

“It’s going to be big for us,” he said. “Somewhere to live and grow as opposed to being on top of each other. Just to give them (the children) the best chance of a decent childhood and lifestyle.

“A massive thank you to everyone who’s made this happen. It’s amazing that they’ve been able to do this.”

The Wilkinson children listen on as Greg Heaton from Metricon, along with MP Sam O'Connor, Andy Pesut from Capitol Concrete, Danielle and Rhys Carroll and organizer Tamika Smith, explains what builders are doing during the construction of their new house. Picture Glenn Hampson

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor, who hosted a public vigil after Kelly’s death, said construction of the new home was testament to the community spirit on the Gold Coast.

“It’s just wonderful, and it’s hopefully the first of many bright days for this family after going through the most unimaginable situation,” he said.

“They can look forward to next April when it’s built and know that they don’t have to worry about somewhere to live, and they can have somewhere that’s fit for purpose.

“This will just make things so much easier for them. It’s a really beautiful thing for them to have, a huge worry off their shoulders.”

Metricon director and general manager of Northern States, Jason Biasin said the company was proud to be involved in the project.

“In the past 12 months, we have been working to obtain all relevant council approvals and finalise the build specifications, as well as guide Danielle and Rhys through the selection process,” Mr Biasin said.

“We are extremely grateful for all of the support to date from our valued business partners and sub-contractors who have pledged to join us on this build journey.”

Among those partners was Capitol Concrete owner Andy Pesut, whose team was responsible for pouring the slab on Wednesday.

“I’ve got two of my own children,” he said. “From the bottom of my heart, everything that is done here today is done out of goodwill. This is what we all need to do. If everyone puts in a little bit, we can produce these guys an amazing house.”

The Wilkinson children with sponsors who are donating towards the construction of their new house. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Ms Smith said there was still plenty of work to be done, and it was “not too late to help”. She appealed to tradies to contact her through My Bella Casa.

She said that despite the challenges faced by the construction industry in the past year, including rising materials and labour costs, “not one person has shied away from their responsibility”.

“It’s fantastic to see a new beginning, not just for the family, but particularly in setting the tone of the belief system the kids will have, that there are good people, even in tragic circumstances,” Ms Smith said.

“Everyone’s been incredibly supportive.”