SOUTH HEDLAND PRIEST DEVASTATED AFTER CAR TORCHED OUTSIDE PRESBYTERY

BY TANGIORA HINAKI

A South Hedland priest has been left reeling after his car was set alight outside the Catholic Presbytery in Lovell Way in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Ngarluma elder Maureen Kelly said the attack was a shocking act against someone who had chosen to live and serve in the community.

“I’m deeply upset about this because those priests chose to come here knowing the reputation they have to face the antisocial behaviour,” Ms Kelly said.

“He was welcomed here by the community… and at four o’clock this morning, some tow rag went there and burnt his car. It’s affected his whole house. He’s devastated.”

Father Martin, who has only recently moved to the Pilbara, has had to temporarily relocate to Port Hedland with another priest, Father Anthony, while repairs and investigations continue.

Ms Kelly said the Catholic Church and St Vincent de Paul play an important role in supporting local families and remote communities, yet their efforts are often undermined.

“They’ve levered all the locks off the donation bins, people just come and load up donations. All they have to do is ask. St Vinny’s contribute to the society and to remote Aboriginal communities, and this is the appreciation they get in return,” she said.

She added that the incident pointed to deeper issues in the community.

“You want to know why children are on the streets at four o’clock in the morning? That’s where it comes down to. Our society has lost all control of what’s right and wrong these days — it gets back to parental responsibility.”

WA Police investigation

South Hedland Detectives are treating the blaze as deliberate.

In a statement, WA Police said:

“About 4am on Saturday, 27 September, Police and DFES were advised of a vehicle fire at the Catholic Presbytery in Lovell Way, South Hedland. The vehicle – a Toyota Camry sedan – was destroyed by the fire, but DFES officers were able to stop the fire spreading to nearby buildings.
The fire is believed to have been deliberately lit and police urge anyone who saw any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity in the area around the time of the fire to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperswa.com.au.
Anyone with CCTV, mobile phone or dash-cam vision taken of Lovell Way between 2am and 6am is asked to upload the vision direct to detectives via the link provided.”

Rewards of up to $25,000 are available for information leading to the conviction of an arsonist.