THE grieving family of a young Rosewood man who died suddenly are petitioning for Masons Gully in Rosewood to be renamed Finn’s Gully in his memory.
Finn Martland was 20-years-old and soon to be a first time father when he died approximately two weeks ago.
His family and friends want the area near where his body was found to be named after him.
A petition on change.org, pushing for the name change, has already reached 1,819 signatures.
His aunt Jessica Dewar organised a fundraiser for his family through Gofundme.com, $23,398 has been raised so far.
“I would like to share feedback that it is absolutely overwhelming how many people have responded to this and are coming together to remember Finn and to also help with his soon-to-be family,” Jessica wrote on the fundraising site.
“We are all in shock at the sudden passing of Finn (aka Finny winny in the family); son, brother, cousin, uncle, grandson and was going to be a doting dad in eight weeks.
“All of us are in shock as to why he decided to go.
“I’m fundraising as an aunty, for the family and for what was to be his future family, to cover funeral costs and help everyone move through what is a dark time in our lives.”
The name Masons Gully is an historical name, which pays tribute to the Mason family who were early settlers in Rosewood.
Long time Rosewood resident Joyce Rieck said Masons Gully was an unofficial name as the Bush Rehabilitation Project went by the official name of John Street Reserve, this was on the sign with Masons Gully in brackets.
“No locals use that name and refer to regeneration projects as Masons Gully,” Joyce said.
She said she was saddened by the death and had sympathy for the family.
David Pahlke said he too had great empathy and felt sympathy for the young man’s family and friends.
He said while what happened was tragic, he was not in favour of a name change.
David was the Ipswich City Council councillor who proposed the gully be named in honour of the Mason family in 2009.
At the time, the name Masons Gully had never been officially recorded in the Queensland Place Names Gazetteer.
“A lot of people have phoned me who are not in favour of a name change,” he said.
“Where it actually happened, they could call it Finns Bridge or Finns Crossing and put up a plaque, that’s an alternative.”
A memorial has been put up where his body was found with canvases for people to write messages on.
Finn Philip Martland’s funeral service will be held today [July 12] at 11am, at Warrill Park Cemetery Chapel in Willowbank for family and friends.
A private cremation will be held.
If you need help or someone to talk to, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. Confidential crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is available, phone 13 92 76 from any mobile or pay phone 24/7 to speak with a crisis supporter.
