Town rallies for family
Man held on charges for alleged torching of house
THE Cooktown community is rallying behind a family which lost everything including its pet piglet in a house fire alleged to have been deliberately lit.
The woman and her seven children were fortunately out visiting family when their Amos St residence was gutted by fire on Sunday afternoon with their beloved pet Mr Pig still inside.
Family friend Lyndsay Furlong said they had been left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing and she has called on the community to help out with donations.
“They’ve lost absolutely everything,” Ms Furlong said.
“They’re just after clothes at the moment. They’re staying with family at the moment so when they get a place they’ll need other things, but it’s just clothes for now.”
She said she had already been inundated with support, including that of the principal of the school the children attend, who offered to drive to Cairns to buy the children replacement school books.
“Everyone has been really great rallying around,” Ms Furlong said.
She said donated items could be dropped at her house at 55 Hope St or at the town’s community centre.
Cooktown Mayor Peter Scott said the town was supporting the family.
“They’re staying with relatives so they’ve got somewhere to stay, but the community is rallying around them,” he said.
“Fortunately no one was injured.”
Che Izak Furlong, 38, has been charged with a total of nine offences including arson, assault and serious animal cruelty.
It is alleged there was a disturbance between him and a 33-year-old woman at the house about 8.30am on Sunday before he returned about 3pm, broke in and set fire to the house.
A number of bystanders attempted to intervene but it will be alleged Mr Furlong assaulted them.
He appeared sporting a black eye in the Cairns Magistrates Court yesterday after being transported from Cooktown in police custody. Asked whether he understood his charges, the 38-year-old replied: “I don’t agree with them, but I understand them.”
Police prosecutor Michelle Emeleus said Mr Furlong’s bail application, which had been adjourned for today, was “certainly” opposed.
The prosecution will also apply for a crime scene warrant and a protection order from the court. The court heard the items allegedly destroyed by Mr Furlong, resulting in a charge of wilful damage, included a television set, a picture frame and multiple windows.