Toyah event needs help
AN INNER-CITY fundraiser to help the family of murdered Wangetti woman Toyah Cordingley is gaining momentum but needs a little more help.
Wangetti resident and longtime Cairns tattoo artist Duane Cash said his plans for a tattoo fundraiser on Sunday had caught the imagination of clients and neighbours.
“We are expecting 2000 to come through and are hoping to raise $20,000 for Toyah’s family,” Mr Cash, of Cairns City Tattoo, said.
Mr Cash said the fundraiser needed a butcher, a baker and a barbecue cook to help feed the expected crowds.
“We are hoping another community group will lend a hand to cook, and that a baker and butcher can supply bread and sausages,” Mr Cash said.
He said old clients had been calling to offer their help on the day.
“We have had a heap of people offer to volunteer and keep the day going,” he said.
On October 21 Ms Cordingley had driven to Wangetti beach to walk her dog.
That night, she still wasn’t home and her family reported her missing.
Toyah’s father Troy led a search party to the beach the next morning, finding his daughter’s body in the sand dunes.
Queensland Police later said Ms Cordingley had sustained “visible, violent injuries” before her death.
Toyah had been a client of Mr Cash, as had her parents.
“I remember when she was 18 – her mum brought her in,” Mr Cash said.
“He parents have been customers of ours for 25 years.”
He said Wangetti residents were still reeling from the shocking attack.
“It has hit everyone – I am a resident of Wangetti; it is like this has happened in our back yard,” Mr Cash said. “Everyone feels helpless.” His neighbours at the Cotton Club will be donating beer and wine profits from sales of Great Northern and Oxford Landing to the Cordingley family.
Marketing manager Leah Bursztynowicz said the Cotton Club’s fundraiser – from 2pm to 6pm – would tie in with Cairns City Tattoo.
Clients waiting to get their ink tribute to Toyah will be able to wait at the Cotton Club, knowing their drinks will also help Toyah’s family.
“We have just posted it on social media and the feedback has been really good,” Ms Bursztynowicz said.
editorial@cairnspost.com.au facebook.com/TheCairnsPost www.cairnspost.com.au twitter.com/TheCairnsPost