COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND TO HELP FIRE VICTIM
A SPRINGBROOK postie and school bus driver who was burned in a ferocious shed fire is being supported by locals who say he is part of one of Springbrook’s “favourite families”.
Merv Kurz is recovering in the burns unit at the Royal Brisbane hospital after his historic shed, vintage cars and equipment burnt to the ground two days before Christmas.
A Gofundme page set up to help Mr Kurz has tripled its initial goal of $1000, raising $3145 in just 48 hours.
Fire crews were called to Mr Kurz’s property on Saturday after flames had engulfed his house and shed in Boy-ull Road, near Springbrook Rd, about 11.10am.
The fire which destroyed most of Mr Kurz’s possessions was reportedly started by a tractor malfunction.
Local Springbrook photographer Beren Hall said in an Instagram post the Kurz family had been “servicing the community” for more than 60 years, with Mr Kurz delivering the mail and driving the local school bus.
“(Mr Kurz) has been driving kids like my sister and I to school every day,” he said. “They love what they do and will be so devastated after what happened.”
Coral Algie said she was devastated to see such a tragic event happen to one of Springbrook’s “favourite families”.
“(Mr Kurz) looked after our children on (his) buses for over 12 years,” she said.
“Gutted at all the history lost.”
Cash donations to help Mr Kurz can be made at Rosella’s Cafe, Ee-Jung Road.
A raffle will also be held at Rosella’s with prizes donated by the local community, including a $150 voucher for the cafe.