General News
29 May, 2026
Value of stolen items “beyond” monetary terms
The religious and sacramental items of Dunolly’s St Marys Church still haven’t been returned, with the parish not missing them for a monetary reason, but more for their historical and sentimental significance.
Members of the church went to open and prepare for mass, as they do every week, on the morning of Sunday, May 17.
The church’s priest, Father John Monaghan, said when they arrived at around 8:20 am, they felt “something was a bit different”.
“They realised the candelabras on both sides of the alter and the sets in front of our statues were missing, also the tabernacle and even our vases were gone as well,” he said.
“We had a metal crucifix, that was taken. Even our baptism bowl.”
At some stage in the days before, offenders are believed to have gained entry into the church by sliding glass panes out of one of the windows, before climbing in and taking several metal items used for masses and sacraments.
“It’s a bit like people who get home and the place is broken into, that’s how we felt when it first happened … but we are able to continue mass in a similar way,” Fr Monaghan said.
“Anything metal was gone. But our statues are untouched.”
Despite this, the building was left undamaged, with the window panes, ornamental flowers and candles placed neatly to one side.
“They were fairly careful … the panes of glass from our windows, they were removed and placed against the church wall. They didn’t think about breaking the window to get access,” Fr Monaghan said.
He has been disappointed to see the items taken, not for any financial reason, but much more for their sentimental value, being a part of generations worth of ceremonies.
“It’s not a loss in monetary value, but there is a link of past generations of the church,” Fr Monaghan said.
“People have been shocked because their parents and grandparents were married here, their baptisms or even funerals have happened here. So there is that attachment people have.
“We associate St Mary’s with being a place of prayer and peace. So, this is completely unexpected, particularly for people who’s families have been here for generations ... the value is beyond monetary terms.”
Some of the items taken are believed to be as old as the church itself, which marked its 150th anniversary five years ago.
The crucifixes and tabernacle are thought to have been with the church since it was built.
Now using their old tabernacle and an Easter candle, the church has continued services with items
“The candles here now aren’t as elaborate, but is still part of the basics,” Fr Monaghan said.
While it is not known why the items were stolen, Fr Monaghan said the church would have been willing to help anyone regardless of circumstances.
“If they were sold as scrap metal or something like that, I’m guessing they may only have got a couple hundred dollars. If someone was to come to our church in need of that money, we would have been happy to help them,” he said.
“If it was money that someone needed, we would have been able to help out.”
Fr Monaghan is even welcoming the items to be anonymously placed back at the church.
“We are hoping they would be recovered, but on the realistic side of things, it’s a little bit difficult to be confident,” he said.
Police are still appealing for information on the incident.
Anyone who may have any information that could assist with investigations to contact Maryborough Police on 5460-3300 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.