Please help ESJA Rebuild After a Devastating Fire and Explosion.

My name is Sue-Anne, and I am writing this as a mother whose heart is breaking for her child.

On Sunday 18th January 2026, around 2:30pm, my son ESJA lost his home in a sudden fire and explosion in Taree.

In that fire, he lost one of his beloved dogs, Roxy. She was family — his comfort, his little girl. Losing her so suddenly and traumatically has devastated him in ways that are hard to put into words.

His other dog, Phoenix, survived and is now recovering, but requires ongoing veterinary care. After everything ESJA has been through, he cannot be separated from Phoenix. They are each other’s safety and emotional support, and right now they need each other to survive this trauma.

In a matter of minutes, everything else was gone. ESJA’s home was destroyed, and absolutely everything he has ever owned was lost — clothes, shoes, personal belongings, electrical goods, memories, identification, and any sense of security.

ESJA is 19 years old and is on the Autistic spectrum along with other diagnosis, The shock of the fire, the death of Roxy, the fear of losing Phoenix, and being left with nothing has been overwhelming. We have reached out to multiple emergency and support agencies, but sadly they have let him down, particularly because he has a dog that he cannot be separated from.

We may have a possible opportunity to secure a rental property in the coming weeks if he can find one that's affordable and be accepted with his dog, but if this happens, ESJA will need help with bond, rent in advance, and basic setup costs. Without assistance, this option may not be possible.

We are deeply grateful to his friend and his partner and mother who have taken ESJA and Phoenix in since the fire. Their kindness has meant everything to us. However, this is only a very short-term solution, and in less than a week ESJA needs to find a safe place to call home.

Funds raised will help with:

- Cremation costs for Roxy ️

- Ongoing veterinary care for Phoenix

- Bond and rent in advance if a rental becomes available

- Emergency, pet-friendly accommodation if need for a few weeks

- Replacing every essential item lost in the fire

- Replacing identification and important documents

As if this heartbreak wasn’t enough, there have also been false rumours and cruel comments online, adding unnecessary pain during an already devastating time, so please be kind

I am asking for help so my son can begin to rebuild his life with dignity, safety, and stability after this traumatic event. Any donation, no matter how small, or even just sharing this page, truly means more than words can say.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, compassion, and support