May 29, 2014
Continuing attacks by vandals at the Kingaroy Girl Guides Hut have left the troop looking to raise $4000 to complete repairs – or get help from local businesses and tradespeople.
So far this year, vandals have:
- Stripped the protective plastic covering off electrical wiring to the hot water system, leaving bare copper wires – an electrical hazard and a fire risk
- Ripped off the access doors to the storage area under the building
- Spread rubbish under the building and tried to light a fire
- Broken into the camping shed and stolen a tent, leaving other equipment strewn about
- Disconnected the rainwater tank, draining the water
- Kicked a hole in the back wall to use as a climbing point in an attempt to break into the building via the kitchen window
- Removed vents from around the building
- Removed corner pieces from the building walls
- Stolen a neon light
- Cut the wire from the flagpole, preventing the troop from raising the flag
- Kicked out a cross brace on the verandah
- Smashed in the side doors of the building, which have now been permanently barred
- Broken into the building and removed food from the fridge
As well, obscene graffiti and names have been scrawled on the building.
Unit Leader Deborah Calvert and District Leader Amanda May are at their wit’s end.
They have seen children in school uniform come out from under the building but don’t know if they are the people responsible for the damage.
This has been reported to the school concerned and to police.
However, most of the damage occurred during the last school holidays.
Deborah said the hot water system had been repaired immediately because of the dangers involved, but the quote to get the rest of the work done had come to an extra $4000, which the troop simply didn’t have.
The Guides’ camping plans were disrupted when the camping shed was broken into.
“(The vandals) kicked the shed door in and pulled the old tents out of their bags and mixed up all the poles and guy ropes. We are not sure if we have got complete tents any more, and one was stolen,” Deborah said.
The local Masonic Lodge has come to the rescue by providing five new tents.
“We are just so grateful,” Deborah said.
However, the new tents can now no longer be stored safely on site.
Amanda said the troop was at its maximum capacity with 42 girls but it was hard to raise $4000 in the community when she knew everyone was doing it hard.
Fortunately, the troop is about to start its annual biscuit drive.
Kingaroy residents should keep an eye open for the Guides who will be doorknocking parts of the town over the next month selling biscuits as a fundraiser.
The bikkies can also be bought at Ryke Fuel and Kingaroy Office Central.
The troop also has a trivia night planned for September 13.
But in the meantime, Deborah and Amanda are hoping there may be some local businesspeople who could help, by donating material or labour.
“We would be very, very appreciative,” Amanda said.
Anyone who can help should contact Amanda on (07) 4162-8215.
