A PERSON has been questioned over an apparent arson attack which has left a mother and her young daughter without a home.
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But charges have not been laid over the July 26 incident.
Terri Pianta’s White Hills home was destroyed by fire and the community has rallied behind her with donations worth thousands of dollars.
Detective Senior Constable Michael Thompson yesterday confirmed someone had been questioned over the alleged arson attack on the property.
“No person has been charged in relation to arson,” he said.
“A person has been asked some questions in relation to arson but no charges have been laid in relation to it.”
Ms Pianta said she had been frustrated by delays with her insurance company, which she said had delayed paying her rent due to the ongoing police investigation.
She said she had been “left in limbo” by a lack of information from her insurer and police over the matter.
“I think it’s a bit unfair,” she said.
“It’s not my fault there are evil people out there, but what can you do?”
But after enquiries from the Bendigo Advertiser, CommInsure yesterday told Ms Pianta they would pay the rent for her new home.
Ms Pianta welcomed the news and said she was in the process of organising bond for the property.
“My girl has got a room so she can play with her stuff ... that’s probably been my focus,” she said.
“It’s something that’s been a bit depressing and frustrating over the last couple of days.
“It’s a step in the right direction.
“There’s still a long way to go.”
CommInsure spokesman Steve Batten said he couldn’t comment on individual cases for privacy reasons, but said he was happy with the way the process had been handled.
“CommInsure has been working with the customer to support the customer in regards to her insurance claim,” he said.
“We feel comfortable that we’ve provided a positive solution to our customer.”
In other developments, the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union yesterday gave Ms Pianta a $1000 Coles Myer gift voucher.
CFMEU member John Lythgo, who is working on the Bendigo Library redevelopment, said the union often helped worthwhile causes but rarely spoke about it.
“It’s just a good cause ... the poor lady’s lost her house, her belongings and her child’s lost her toys and clothes,” Mr Lythgo said.
Radio 3BO is also planning to collect donations made to Ms Pianta through the station on Saturday.
Morning show presenter Bryan Coghlan recently said about $25,000 had been raised for Ms Pianta and her daughter Molly.
Anyone with donations should contact Laura Campbell from 3BO on 0407 534 950.
The Bendigo Advertiser apologises for using an inaccurate headline when this story was first published. The heading said a person had been charged which was incorrect. We regret any confusion caused.