St Peter’s Uniting Church at Hobbys Yards was allegedly targeted in an arson attack on Friday, September 23 that has caused damage estimated at more than $100,000.

Nearby resident Janet Sutherland said she could smell smoke at around 8am and as she passed the church she soon discovered where it was coming from.

“I could see the broken windows and the smoke coming out,” she said. “I went in to check and I found the fire there just smouldering away.”

The Rural Fire Service quickly put the fire out.

Ms Sutherland said furniture – including the baptismal font – had been piled on the altar and set alight.