General News
11 June, 2025
Fire sparks town’s support
THE Ravenshoe community is getting behind popular local Rob Doyle whose house was destroyed by fire on Friday.
Mr Doyle, who was at the time undergoing chemotherapy treatment in hospital, has been in the community for 40-plus years, and is very well loved, says fundraising organiser, Nicola Baker.
“His involement in community groups is amazing, he’ll do anything for anybody. He is so well regarded in this town. He helps out at St Theresa Church, and at the school’s fete. Rob would give you the shirt off his back, he will help anyone and support anything,” she said.
“He’s done more than his fair share in this town, he is so well loved.
“When we heard about the fire the whole town collectively said ‘We need to help’.
Ms Baker said a sausage sizzle and cake stall will be held on Saturday, 14 June, from 7am until sold out at the front of the Ravenshoe Post Office.
It will be followed up next month with a Charity Golf Day and Auction at the Ravenshoe Millstream Country Club on 12 July.
Ms Baker said the fire was a bit of a trigger for the town, as it was the 10th anniversary of the fatal Serves You Right café explosion in Ravenshoe, on 9 June 2015.
Mr Doyle, a volunteer firefighter, and station captain at the time, received a Commendation for his swift actions.
“I remember having a conversation with Rob afterwards, and he told me he had gone in looking for Nicole’s dog, as she was worried, and he had checked all through the building and was able to tell her the dog was not in there,” Ms Baker said.
Nicole Nyholt, 37, and 82-year-old Margaret Clarke, died in hospital from injuries sustained from the explosion, caused when a car hit a gas tank at the back of the café.
“Reading what has been written [on social media] this fire has certainly brought up a few demons for people here,” Ms Baker said.
“So I think doing something tangible for Rob is good for the community. And we really do have a beautiful community here.”
Nicola said Rob was being taken care of by friends and was aware of the fundraisers being put into place.
“We’ve set up a bank account to make sure all money raised goes straight to Rob,” she said.
Anyone is welcome to the Golf Day which will feature 4 Ball Ambrose, 9 Holes, for a 1pm start. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed team. To nominate a team contact: Prudence Wright - 0476 594 540 or Tarnia Wright - 0487 989 568. Cost - $25 Adults, $10 kids, which includes a barbecue dinner, and the auction to start at 6:30 pm
If you would like to make a donation towards the fundraiser contact Nicola Baker on 0417 929 382.
