General News
8 May, 2025
Arson charge over house fire
DETECTIVES have charged a 35-year-old Miallo man with arson following a suspicious fire in Mount Molloy on 23 April.
Emergency services were called to a Main Street address at approximately 5.10pm, following reports the house was fully engulfed.
All occupants were evacuated and no one was physically injured from the incident. It will be alleged the man set fire to the property.
On 24 April, Mossman detectives located the man on a Miallo property where he was arrested and transported to Mareeba police station. The man was charged with one count of arson and is due to attend the Mareeba Magistrates Court on 12 May.
Appeal for the family after blaze
AN appeal has been established for a family who lost everything in a house fire at Mt Molloy.
The blaze, which took place around 5pm on 23 April, destroyed the family’s home and everything they owned, including items that were purchased for their baby’s imminent arrival.
Mareeba Lions Club has launched an appeal to help the family, with locals encouraged to make cash donations as well as household items.
Club spokesperson Norma Moloney said the family needed all the help they could get.
“While we are grateful they are physically safe, they now face the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives from nothing at a time when they should be preparing to welcome their newborn,” she said.
“We are calling on the generosity of our community to support them in this time of need.
“Any donation, no matter how small, will go towards helping them to secure essentials, such as temporary accommodation, clothing, baby supplies and other urgent needs.
“Please keep this family in your thoughts, and show them they are not alone. Together, we can help them find hope and strength during this incredibly difficult time.”
Monetary donations can be made through the Lions Club account (BSB: 633000, Account No: 128771573 with a reference of “rebuildhope”).
Anyone wishing to donate a voucher can call Norma on 0417 541 126 to arrange collection. If anyone wants to donate goods, make sure they are clean and in good condition, and contact Amy McDonald on 0413 043 510 to arrange drop off or pick up.
