STATEMENT OF CONDOLENCE

Published on 14 January 2025

On Sunday 12 January 2025, the son of Balonne Shire Councillor Robyn Fuhrmeister, Mr Ashley Jay Hicks was overwhelmed by waters being released at the base of EJ Beardmore Dam. 

Following an extensive search and rescue operation coordinated by the Queensland Police involving State Emergency Services and Queensland Fire Department swift water rescue crews and specialist divers, Mr Hick’s body was located just to the south of the Dam wall just after 6am this morning. 

Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with Councillor Fuhrmeister and her family in the wake of this devastating news. 

We ask that Councillor Fuhrmeister and her family are given the appropriate privacy at this time.

We would like to thank emergency services staff, Sunwater, volunteers, community members and local businesses involved in supporting the QPS operation.