Nurcan Karahan and Shannon Mein prepare to open Townsville’s first rage room the Demolition Den

After her arm was amputated following a suicide attempt, this former medic promised herself she would chase her dreams and become a business owner. Now these veterans are bringing smash therapy to the city.

Demolition Den manager Shannon Mein and owner Nurcan Karahan are opening their doors on Ingham Road. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Two years ago, this former paramedic laid in her own hospital bed at one of the lowest moments of her life and promised herself she would chase her dreams and now as she stands on the cusp of opening her second business, she said it’s all starting to feel real.

Nurcan Karahan has worn many hats, serving for six years as a medic in the Australian Army before discharging and working as a nurse and a paramedic.

But in 2023, her life came to a standstill after a suicide attempt resulted in her left arm being amputated.

From that moment she told herself that she would work to rebuild her life into one she wanted to live.

“I just remember laying in that hospital bed thinking I’m going to get out of here and start some businesses, this is what I want to do,” she said.

Demolition Den are opening their doors on Ingham Road. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“That first year of recovery was tough I had a lot of alone time to really think and digest and feel, and then … I kind of just pulled my socks up I was like ‘I’m going to do it now.’”

As a co-owner of Soul Lab Gym, which opened in 2024, she is now bringing the first rage room, the Demolition Den, to Townsville with her business partner and fellow veteran Shannon Mein.

“I know that there’s heaps around Australia and I thought Townsville needs something like this, there’s nothing like it around here,” Ms Karahan said.

“I had a look at a few places but I found that this place was the best to fit out the rooms.”

The shop features three ‘rage rooms’ which allow individual or group bookings to head in, grab a sledgehammer or baseball bat and smash out their feelings using crockery, glasses or electronics.

Ms Karahan said the response has been “overwhelming” after an initial post on facebook gained over 1,000 comments and sent their booking system into overdrive.

“I was not expecting that in any way and then it just popped off and now we’re overwhelmed with bookings.”

Demolition Den owner Nurcan Karahan and manager Shannon Mein are opening their doors on Ingham Road. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Anyone was welcome to come in and use the space, she said, whether it’s for a bit of fun or smash therapy.

“They might be going through a really hard time and need that release … go in, smash stuff, have the best time, come out puffed and feel much better, it’s all very therapeutic,” Ms Karahan said.

Reflecting on her past two years she said she wants anyone who was suffering from mental health issues or feels stuck that “you can be happy and thrive.”

“People who are suffering and who are in a deep dark place, you can get out of it.”

The Demolition Den is located at 1/85 Ingham Rd West End and will officially open its doors on Wednesday 16 at 5pm for walk-in bookings only.

A timeslot of 30 minutes is allocated per room at $40 per person, with individual, couple and group bookings available.

For more information or to book visit https://www.demolitionden.com.au/

Originally published as Nurcan Karahan and Shannon Mein prepare to open Townsville’s first rage room the Demolition Den