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22 March 2023
Credit: Travis Macfarlane
Memorial for Derek, Shayne, June and Ricky BY ALEX PURCELL IT was one of the biggest tragedies in Cooroy. Derek Lange, 11; his mother June, 30; Shayne Parker, 9; and Ricky Von Blanckensee, 18, all died in a tragic accident on Saturday 5 December 1981. Now, four decades later, their families finally have somewhere to come and remember their loved ones and everything that has been lost since that terrible day. A memorial bench seat in memory of Derek, June, Shayne and Ricky has been installed behind the
Cooroora Woodworkers Club overlooking Cooroy Creek. Shayne Parker’s father George said the memorial has been a long time coming. “A lot of people in Cooroy didn’t know what happened. It was forgotten and that is sad. “This memorial means a lot to our family. It is something for our kids and grandkids later on and for the town.” Cliff Von Blanckensee said they will never have closure but the memorial will serve as a legacy to those they lost.
“We will never have closure, because to us we will always remember our little brother. “But now generations will see that bench and see that plaque and that will go on forever. We just want to remember the families that were lost.” Husband of June and father of Derek, Terry Lange, said he would like to thank everyone who has put in the work to achieve this. “I really wish that Robyn and I could be there for this occasion but unfortunately it’s just not possible at the moment. “Once again, thanks very
much to all concerned who made this happen. It really means a lot to me and the rest of my family.” June’s daughter and Derek’s sister, Rachelle Dewhurst, said she is moved by the memorial. “This endeavour has a community spirit, just like Cooroy all those years ago. It is nice to know that in this present day, this spirit does still exist. “Thank you to all those involved for your efforts. They are most appreciated.” The installation of the memorial bench seat has been a community effort. With the full support of
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the families, the Cooroy Rag advocated for a memorial to remember Derek, June, Shayne and Ricky. The Cooroora Woodworkers Club built a timber bench seat out of local timbers and invited the seat to be installed on their premises. After a meeting at council chambers between Noosa Council and the Cooroy Rag staff, both parties met at the woodworkers’ clubhouse and agreed on a location for the memorial seat. Local concreter Andrew Porter donated his time and expertise to pour the slab for the seat, and
Cordwells Concrete donated the concrete. The families were the first to view the memorial bench seat last Friday (pictured). An official unveiling of the memorial will be held on Saturday 1 April at 10 am at the Cooroora Woodworkers Club, 8 Lower Mill Road, Cooroy. The community is invited to attend the event, along with the families, Cooroy Rag staff, Cooroora Woodworkers Club members, councillors, council staff, and others who have been instrumental in the installation of this memorial.
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Cooroy Rag, 22 March 2023 - Page
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