General News
25 February, 2026
Senseless damage to courts
THE small community of Euramo just north of Tully has been rocked by what appears to be a senseless act of vandalism on the area’s only sports facility.
Local residents expressed their disgust and anger after seeing that two sides of the fencing around their community tennis courts – which they have been raising funds for over the past few months to improve and upkeep – had been badly damaged.
Resident Jason Morice said the attack, most likely on Friday night 13 February, had set back the community’s efforts a long way.
“This weekend, someone drove a vehicle into the fence and destroyed it,” he said.
“The damage is extensive and repairs will be costly. This means the courts may close and the kids who’ve worked so hard to build their skills may no longer have a place to play.”
The courts, at Lihs Road off Davidson Road, are believed to have been originally built in the early 1950s alongside the previous Euramo State School, which closed permanently in 1974.
“Absolutely disgusted by this, the tennis court fence completely rammed and bent overnight,” a resident commented.
“This is community property and it’s so disappointing to see it treated like this.”
“Like to see them own up in front of the community,” another said.
Cassowary Coast councillor (Division 2), Ellen Jessop, also chimed in after seeing a local Facebook post.
“In small communities like ours some will know who did this and it’s just a matter of time before they are found out or, you can do the right thing and own up to it,” she commented.
“Please make the right choice.”
The community has reported the damage to police.
“Police are investigating a wilful damage complaint after a fence was damaged at a council facility on Lihs Road, Euramo,” a QPS media spokeswoman said.
“The damage is believed to have occurred between midnight and 8am on Saturday 14 February.
“Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is urged to contact police.”
Mr Morice said prior to the apparent vandalism, “something pretty special has been happening down at the Davidson Road tennis courts.”
The only true ‘local’ facility had been growing in popularity, especially among younger people.
“A group of kids, who only weeks ago could barely hit a ball, have been turning up with their parents to learn, practice, and play,” Mr Morice said.
“We’ve watched them go from missed swings to full rallies with their friends and even taking on the mums and dads. The parents have had their own battles across the net too.
“To look after the courts, our group has been fundraising every week, selling raffle tickets to help keep the surface and facilities in good condition.”
Ideally, the local community agrees, the person or persons responsible should come forward and put things right, whether or not the damage was intentional.
“Whoever did this may not have known what they were taking away. But it wasn’t ‘just a fence’. It was a safe place for kids to try a new sport and for parents to connect,” Mr Morice said.
“If this was you or if you know who it was please do the right thing. Own up. Help fix what’s been broken. These kids deserve their court back.”
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