Koah great grandmother’s home destroyed in alleged arson attack
An 80-year-old Koah great grandmother and community leader that spent her life looking after others had her home destroyed by a fire allegedly lit by an arsonist.
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An 80-year-old Koah great grandmother and community leader that spent her life looking after others had her home destroyed by a fire allegedly lit by an arsonist.
Rosell Hunter’s home was destroyed on February 27 after it was allegedly set alight about 10pm.
Rosell had lived at the address on Koah Rd since 1962, becoming a well-loved member of the community often taking in those in need.
Family members said she was an advocate for the Koah community.
“My heart breaks for Rosell and aches for Koah,” Meeza Scal posted online.
“This was more than an old lady’s house and material possessions.
“This was the Koah home to family and friends far and wide.
“For decades, Rose, in this house, opened her doors and provided hospitality for many black, white and brindle people and their pets.
“She advocated for the Koah Bama community pleading for more services and housing for the families that had to move off country because of the lack thereof and overcrowding.”
Tahleta Reys said her grandmother has lost everything she had in the fire.
“She is only the most humble, loving, most caring, and welcoming to all,” she wrote.
“She’s is a people’s person.
“Grandma now has nothing but this clothes on her back. She’s lost all her material possessions and not only that but also her entire life, along with all the memories from right back to when she was a young girl.”
Fortunately no one was inside the property when the fire started but the structure was gutted.
Amber Gill, 43, has since been charged with one count of arson.
The 43-year-old Kuranda woman faced Atherton Magistrates Court on February 28 and was granted conditional bail until she reappears at Mareeba Magistrates Court next month.
A GoFundMe campaign in Ms Hunter’s name hopes to raise $32,000.
“I am seeking to raise money to assist with replacing her material belongings and finding her accommodation where she can at least try to resume a normal life when she gets out of hospital,” son-in-law Brian Towning said on the GoFundMe.
“Rosell and her family have lost numerous memories going back to her days on the mission in Mona Mona, Kuranda.
“She has resided at her present address in Koah since 1962.
“She is a highly regarded mother, grandmother and great grandmother of numerous families and children often adopted and fostered.
“Rosell has spent her life looking after others and deserves any help that she can receive now.”
Donations can be made on the GoFundMe page here.
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Originally published as Koah great grandmother’s home destroyed in alleged arson attack
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