Cooroy Creek Memorial

Forgotten tragedy of Cooroy Creek
BY ALEX PURCELL
Cooroy Rag 5 October 2021

FOR 40 years, one of the biggest tragedies in Cooroy has been largely forgotten. 

Four people, including two children, were electrocuted in Cooroy Creek in 1981.

Derek Lange, 11, his mother June, 30, Shayne Parker, 9, and Ricky von Blanckensee, 18, were all killed on Saturday 5 December 1981 in a tragic accident.

Husband of June and father of Derek, Terry Lange, told the Cooroy Rag that because they lived in one of the two houses in front of the creek, the kids played in it “all the time”. But on this day, a hot December afternoon, they had made them a raft.

“We had quite a bit of rain beforehand and the creek always flooded. Water used to come up to the front steps of the house and we’d have to park the car up the street.

“This day, the water had gone down but was still running reasonably well.

“Derek and Shayne were on the raft and they grabbed a wire hanging over the creek to pull themselves along. But the wire was “live” and nobody knew.”

Tragically, the two Cooroy State School students were killed instantly.

Terry said that he was inside the house when “all hell broke loose”.

“We were planning a hungi for our work (North Coast Sawmills) social club and [along with fellow worker, George Parker] had been out getting river rocks. 

“We were inside when my youngest came running in and said ‘They’ve fallen in the creek and are not coming up’.”

Terry raced outside and jumped into the creek – only to sink to the bottom.

“I jumped in but couldn’t move because of the electricity. As soon as I hit the water I sank to the bottom.

“George and the others came out behind me and they dragged me out.”

It was then that they discovered that Ricky von Blanckensee had also been killed.

“None of us knew Ricky was in there.”

The 18-year-old had jumped into the water after June to try and help.

June and Ricky would later receive bravery awards for sacrificing their own lives. 

Ricky’s older brother, Cliff von Blankensee, told the Cooroy Rag, that was just the way Ricky was.

“He was very gentle and loving to everybody and anybody. He was a nice young fella.”

Cliff said he had been at his in-laws and it wasn’t until he got home that he learned the news of Ricky’s passing.

“My brother was at the door waiting for us when we got home and told us the news. It was hard to believe.

“It knocked a lot out of all of us, but Dad took it really, really hard. He kept saying kids are supposed to bury their parents, not the other way around.”

Shayne’s father, George Parker, told the Cooroy Rag that it’s something you never really get over.

“It’s taken a long time but you never really get over something like this.

“Shayne was a very thoughtful young fella. He’d bring a rose home for his mother. He loved his sport.”

Both George and Terry suffered electric shocks from the water as they tried desperately to save the four in the creek. They too would be awarded bravery medals for their actions. 

How the wire, believed to be inactive, became live, was later the focus of a lengthy investigation. 

Despite the investigation, it was never determined exactly how power had got to the line.

“We don’t have an answer which is sad,” Cliff said.

And while an answer may never be determined now, there is an opportunity to remind locals and inform visitors to Cooroy about those who tragically died.

The Cooroy Rag has applied to Noosa Council for approval to erect a memorial at the site of the Lange’s home, where the new Hinterland Adventure Playground is being constructed, to remember June, Ricky, Derek and Shayne.

Noosa Council reviews all plaque and memorial applications on a quarterly basis, so while a formal answer might be months away, Mayor Clare Stewart told the Cooroy Rag she wholly supports it.

“This tragedy is a significant event in our history and those who died deserve to be remembered. I support this memorial 100 per cent and will do anything I can in line with Council processes, to help make it happen and bring some level of closure to these families.”

Ricky’s brother Cliff said that their family is thrilled by the idea of a memorial.

“There’s a lot of people I’ve met over the years, who don’t know about it. It didn’t seem to have the reach that publicity has today.

“It would have been one of the biggest tragedies in the area.”

Shayne’s father, George, said that he feels people don’t remember and it would be nice to have a memorial to remind them.

“The family would be very happy to have a memorial there. It was a major event in the area and I don’t think people remember.”

June’s daughter and Derek’s sister, Rachelle Dewhurst, told the Cooroy Rag that the idea of a memorial pleases their family immensely.

“We would like a memorial to remember the loved ones who passed on that day and for what we have all lost along the way.”

George said anything they can do to help see a memorial happen, they will.

“We’re really grateful for what you [the Cooroy Rag] are trying to do.”

Memorial for tragedy embraced by community
BY ALEX PURCELL
Cooroy Rag 21 October 2021

THE call for a memorial at the site of a tragedy that claimed four local lives is being welcomed by the Cooroy community.

Derek Lange, 11, his mother June, 30, Shayne Parker, 9, and Ricky Von Blanckensee, 18, were all killed in a tragic accident at Cooroy Creek on Saturday 5 December 1981.

Now, forty years later, the Cooroy Rag is advocating for a memorial to be erected at the site to remember them. 

This is an initiative that the Cooroy community has embraced.

Iris Tomlinson said that she remembers the tragedy.

“A memorial could be put alongside the memorial to the Fenwick Family in the park.”

Sharen Widderick-Bell said it was a very sad day for Cooroy that devastated the community.

“A memorial would be a lovely tribute to those lost to their families.”

Maureen Bowden said a “memorial would be great” and Leanne Coles said that she hopes it will be allowed.

“Hopefully a memorial will be allowed as it was a dark day when this happened.”

With the support of the families of Derek, June, Shayne and Ricky, the Cooroy Rag has submitted an application to Noosa Council requesting approval for a memorial at the site of the tragedy.

The Cooroy Rag has received receipt of the application and told it will be reviewed by Council officers in accordance with the policy and policy guidelines, after which Council will advise in due course.

Home found for Cooroy Creek memorial 
BY ALEX PURCELL
Cooroy Rag 20 September 2022

A LOCATION has been found for a memorial to four people tragically killed in Cooroy 40 years ago.

Derek Lange, 11; his mother June, 30; Shayne Parker, 9; and Ricky Von Blanckensee, 18, were all killed in a tragic accident at Cooroy Creek on Saturday 5 December 1981.

One year ago the Cooroy Rag, on behalf of the families, launched an appeal to have a memorial installed to honour the four lives lost.

The Cooroora Woodworkers Club then built a timber bench seat out of local timbers and invited the seat to be installed on a site adjacent to their premises.

After a meeting at Council chambers between Noosa Council and the Cooroy Rag staff, both parties met with Cooroora Woodworkers Club onsite at Lower Mill Road and agreed on a location for the memorial seat. 

The seat will be installed behind the Woodworkers’ clubhouse overlooking Cooroy Creek.

It will be visible to pedestrians using the path along Cooroy Creek and will feature a plaque to acknowledge Derek, June, Shayne and Ricky.

Husband of June and father of Derek, Terry Lange, said he is very happy with the outcome.

“Thank you so much Cooroy Rag for all the hard work you and others have put in – it is much appreciated,” Terry said.

Shayne’s sister Kym Bunt thanked all those involved in achieving this outcome.

“A big thank you to all who have contributed to finding a suitable outcome, and also to the community for expressing such support and interest.

“Thank you again Cooroy Rag for your time spent working on this. I just want to say it’s very much appreciated,” Kym said.

Noosa Council Heritage Coordinator Jane Harding said a good outcome has been achieved.

“It was evident that this was significant to many in the community, so Council is pleased to have worked with the community to reach a suitable result,” she said.

Cooroora Woodworkers Club spokesperson Steve Chapman said he is pleased a location has been found for the bench seat.

“It is a welcome outcome that provides a degree of closure for the families and realises a sense of the history of past events in Cooroy’s rich history,” Steve said.

Since being advised of the wishes of the community and indeed the families involved, Mayor Clare Stewart has been very supportive of a memorial. 

“I am so pleased that a suitable location was found, and although nothing can ever bring back the lives of those lost on that tragic day, the memorial seat will be a place of remembrance for so many in our community, especially family members who were, and continue to be, impacted by the unimaginable tragedy which occurred on that fateful day,” Cr Stewart said.

Once the seat has been installed, the Cooroy Rag will host an official unveiling with the families, councillors, council staff, Cooroora Woodworkers Club members and the community.

“The unveiling will be a bittersweet day for us all. A day that is long overdue for remembering our loved ones,” Kym said.

Four decades after one of Cooroy’s biggest tragedies, the seat will be a legacy to Derek, Shayne, June and Ricky and their families, and a permanent place to reflect on all that has been lost since that terrible day.

Memorial for Derek, Shayne, June and Ricky
BY ALEX PURCELL
Cooroy Rag 22 March 2023

IT was one of the biggest tragedies in Cooroy.

Derek Lange, 11; his mother June, 30; Shayne Parker, 9; and Ricky Von Blanckensee, 18, all died in a tragic accident on Saturday 5 December 1981.

Now, four decades later, their families finally have somewhere to come and remember their loved ones and everything that has been lost since that terrible day.

A memorial bench seat in memory of Derek, June, Shayne and Ricky has been installed behind the Cooroora Woodworkers Club overlooking Cooroy Creek.

Shayne Parker’s father George said the memorial has been a long time coming.

“A lot of people in Cooroy didn’t know what happened. It was forgotten and that is sad.

“This memorial means a lot to our family. It is something for our kids and grandkids later on and for the town.”

Cliff Von Blanckensee said they will never have closure but the memorial will serve as a legacy to those they lost. 

“We will never have closure, because to us we will always remember our little brother.

“But now generations will see that bench and see that plaque and that will go on forever. 

“We just want to remember the families that were lost.” 

Husband of June and father of Derek, Terry Lange, said he would like to thank everyone who has put in the work to achieve this.

“I really wish that Robyn and I could be there for this occasion but unfortunately it’s just not possible at the moment.

“Once again, thanks very much to all concerned who made this happen. It really means a lot to me and the rest of my family.”

June’s daughter and Derek’s sister, Rachelle Dewhurst, said she is moved by the memorial. 

“This endeavour has a community spirit, just like Cooroy all those years ago. It is nice to know that in this present day, this spirit does still exist. 

“Thank you to all those involved for your efforts. They are most appreciated.”

The installation of the memorial bench seat has been a community effort.

With the full support of the families, the Cooroy Rag advocated for a memorial to remember Derek, June, Shayne and Ricky.

The Cooroora Woodworkers Club built a timber bench seat out of local timbers and invited the seat to be installed on their premises.

After a meeting at council chambers between Noosa Council and the Cooroy Rag staff, both parties met at the woodworkers’ clubhouse and agreed on a location for the memorial seat. 

Local concreter Andrew Porter donated his time and expertise to pour the slab for the seat, and Cordwells Concrete donated the concrete.

The families were the first to view the memorial bench seat last Friday.

An official unveiling of the memorial will be held on Saturday 1 April at 10 am at the Cooroora Woodworkers Club, 8 Lower Mill Road, Cooroy.

The community is invited to attend the event, along with the families, Cooroy Rag staff, Cooroora Woodworkers Club members, councillors, council staff, and others who have been instrumental in the installation of this memorial.

Community comes together for memorial unveiling
BY ALEX PURCELL
Cooroy Rag 12 April 2023

IT was a beautiful and moving day. 

More than 50 people attended the official unveiling of a memorial to remember four people killed in one of Cooroy’s biggest tragedies.

Derek Lange, 11; his mother June, 30; Shayne Parker, 9; and Ricky Von Blanckensee, 18, all died in a tragic accident in Cooroy Creek on Saturday 5 December 1981.

Four decades later, the families of Derek, June, Shayne and Ricky came together on Saturday 1 April for the unveiling of a timber bench seat and plaque dedicated to their loved ones.

They were joined by Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart, Councillors Amelia Lorentson and Karen Finzel, Noosa Council’s Heritage Coordinator Jane Harding, Robert Skelton MP, members of the Cooroora Woodworkers Club, Cooroy Rag staff and the community.

This editor was honoured to start the ceremony and read a poem and statement on behalf of the families. Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart then officially opened the memorial and the families cut the ribbon.

Shayne Parker’s father, George, said the memorial is greatly appreciated by the families deeply affected by this tragic accident.

“We would like to thank Alex from the Cooroy Rag along with staff members, local business owners and my old work colleague Max Arbuthnot for all their strong support in making this day possible.

“This seat and plaque will serve as a loving reminder to those lives lost and for the families and the public to remember them by.”

The memorial was a community effort made possible by the generosity and hard work of Max Arbuthnot, Steve and Ian and the Cooroora Woodworkers Club, Jane Harding and Noosa Council, Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart, Andrew Porter, Cordwells Concrete, Matt Purcell and Cooroy Rag staff Alex, Judy, Jodi, Kristina and Peta.

It is located behind the Cooroora Woodworkers Club on Lower Mill Road, Cooroy, where it will remain as a legacy to Derek, June, Shayne and Ricky now and into the future.