Park monument mystery solved

Paul Staines’ parents Ben and Ruby, sister Cynthia and twin brother David visit the seat installed in his memory.

THE mystery surrounding a missing park bench erected in honour of Paul “Smiley” Staines, who disappeared in big surf off Coolum 11 years ago, has been solved.

A letter to the Coolum and North Shore News last month demanded the return of the bench, which had overlooked the ocean in Noosa National Park, opposite the Emu Mountain estate, for a year.

The letter, which was signed Citizens of Emu Mountain, said the reason for the park bench was two-fold.

“The park bench was privately paid for and installed for a couple who suffer heart problems but need to walk daily for their health ...

“The bench was also a memorial to Paul (Smiley) who drowned at this location.”

Paul Staines’ sister, Debbie, who had tried in vain to find out who put the seat there, was excited when she read the letter.

“Mum and dad are in their 80s and would love to say thank you,” she said.

“Dad made a beautiful silky oak cross to put out there in memory of Smiley.

“We often find people have put shells and flowers there as well.”

Debbie, who visits the site on Paul’s birthday every year, only discovered the bench when she took her sister there last September.

“It has been put there between his birthday, the 14th of August, and that date,” she said.

After the Coolum News put the letter writer, who wants to remain anonymous, in touch with Debbie, part of the mystery was solved.

Debbie said the man built the bench himself.

“He took the stuff out and built it out there,” she said.

“He didn’t know my brother but he’d heard the story and thought it would be nice to have a seat there for older people to go out and sit, and then combine it in memory of Paul.

“That’s just how nice he is.”

After speaking to the family, the man visited Paul’s parents, Ben and Ruby, in Brisbane.

And now, the final piece of the puzzle can be revealed.

This week, the Coolum News learned the missing park bench was removed by national parks officers and is stored at their depot.