Queensland mother Natalie Tsokas furious with actions of local Council

·

Queensland mother, Natalie Tsokas, says she lived through the trauma of her eight-year-old son’s death all over again when local authorities totally cleared his grave, leaving only a patch of dirt, the ABC reports.

The community has vented its disgust over the actions of the Scenic Rim Regional Council, with numerous other residents claiming it cleared their relatives’ graves without fair warning.

Natalie Tsokas said she received an email last week informing her that her son Ollie’s grave had been cleared of a number of unauthorised items that contravened Tamborine Mountain Cemetery’s policies.

Ms Tsokas, who will mark the third anniversary of Ollie’s death in three weeks’ time, said she was “devastated” by the news.

Ollie’s mother placed petals and a small candle where he’s buried after the council stripped the site bare.(ABC Gold Coast: Tara Cassidy)

“His grave was left without a marker on it, without anything on it, it was completely empty, everything taken away,” she said.

Ms Tsokas said in the last year she was notified by Scenic Rim Regional Council that she would need to keep her son’s grave site tidy which she did.

“I did so and at that time, I contacted a mason to see how to go about putting a proper headstone there,” she said.

In a statement, Scenic Rim Regional Council said its workers had removed the items and plants from Ollie’s grave, but it had been in touch with the family.

Ms Tsokas said seeing Ollie’s grave cleared made her feel as he had been left alone. Photo: ABC

“The Scenic Rim Regional Council has been in contact with both families and wishes to respect their privacy and grief by not sharing details of our correspondence on these sensitive matters,” a spokesperson said.

“After several compassionate notifications were made to both families about unauthorised items at gravesites, as per council policy, council has removed the items and held them in safekeeping for collection by the families.”

Ms Tsokas said since the ordeal, a fundraising page had been set up by a friend of Ollie’s, asking for donations to help purchase a headstone for him.

Full Story: ABC

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek fire in ‘The Belly of the Beast’ at St Kilda

‘The Vineyard’ in St Kilda (also known as ‘The Belly of the Beast’) has a long and rich ethnic-Australian heritage.

Jenny Souris Foundation Gala raises $100,000 to help young cancer fighter Jack

The Jenny Souris Foundation’s fundraising gala raised funds for four-year-old Jack, who is courageously battling Stage IV Neuroblastoma.

Greek Australian George Moulos attempts record-breaking ‘March Across Greece’

Young Greek Australian entrepreneur George Moulos will embark on a transformative 1,200 km journey across Greece on foot.

proika exhibition explores cultural bonds that unite the Greek Australian community

On November 20, the proika project invites you to the launch their multimedia exhibition, melding fashion, photography and conversations.

Heliades Greek Women’s Network celebrate Melbourne Cup in style

The Greek Women's Network (Heliades) hosted a vibrant celebration of the Melbourne Cup on Sunday, November 3.

You May Also Like

Greek community in Australia raises more than $40,000 for Thessaly flood victims

Four Pan-Thessalian associations from NSW came together on Friday, February 3, to raise funds for the flood victims of Thessaly, Greece.

NUGAS Victoria to hold annual Gala Ball in Melbourne

On Friday, September 1, the National Union of Greek Australian Students Victoria will hold their annual Gala Ball at the Pullman Albert Park.

Greece prepares military deal with Ukraine, intensifying Russian frustration

Greece and Ukraine are currently negotiating a 10-year assistance agreement similar to those signed by accompanying NATO members.