Gilbert Street Fire Appeal

--- OFFICIAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER ---

On the evening of Sunday 14th April, 2024 a devastating fire ravaged through an arcade of six shops on the popular Gilbert Street shopping precinct in Torquay, Victoria. A playground for locals and tourists alike 365 days of the year. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured as the fire ignited after traders had left for the day. At the time it was reported six shops were destroyed by the fire. Whilst this was accurate the enormity of the impact is only becoming clear one week on:

Small businesses located in the arcade have lost everything while the neighbouring shops are experiencing a disruption to trade, some undergoing a complete refit. All stock is either smoke and/or water damaged which is being discarded. Fire restoration companies are engaged to carry out deep cleans to remove smoke and soot to make things safe for customers when they return to business.

As one trader expressed;

“For me, it’s not about the money but the support of the community when we reopen.”

In the wake of the fire many have had to pivot quickly and are now operating online from kitchen benches in their homes or converting a garage into a showroom. These are REAL people doing it tough!

The Gilbert St Rebuild Committee (GSRC) has been established by a few locals willing to lend a hand and ensure a collaborative approach is taken. General advice has been sought from local government and charitable organisations. More than ever our traders; our friends of this wonderful community need your support.

Libby Coker MP said at the time;

“They’ve worked so hard to build up their businesses and I know our community will do its absolute best to support them during this difficult time.”

The cost of living weighs heavily on us all and insurance (those who had it) will not cover everything. While the Surf Coast Shire has offered traders support and counselling services the GSRC will be simply trying to bridge the gap and allocate funds where it’s most needed. Our only limitation will be the amount we raise so please give generously.

Thank you for taking the time to read our community’s plight.

Donations

Please give generously and be kind. Funds will be held in Trust by Roy Morris & Co Pty Ltd Trust Account (Lawyers) located in Torquay until they are required. Tel: (03) 5261 4707

Media enquiries:

Lee-Anne Carson on 0433 227 766

General enquires:

Wayne Noorman on 0437 389 350

Thank you

It was a mighty effort by Emergency Services to extinguish the blaze. Country Fire Authority (CFA) had 13 vehicles on scene supported by Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews. A big thank you goes out to all on scene including Ambulance Victoria, CFA, FRV and Victoria Police.

Businesses Impacted

Small businesses directly impacted include: Imelda’s Shoe Boutique, Italo’s Wood Fired Pizza, Looop / Ochre Yarn, Okki & Mon-a, McCartney Real Estate, Romy Photographer, Silver & Sea Jewellery and Tama Tama Coffee Roasters.

Other businesses indirectly impacted include: Country Road, Rapid Ascent Adventure Event Management, Strumpet and Torquay Larder.

All businesses have been contacted personally and they wish to thank their customers far and wide. More information can be found on their individual websites.

Location

Torquay, established in 1871 is located 105 kilometres from Melbourne. It is best known for its coastal surf beaches and is a popular destination for international tourists from all around the world being the gateway to the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles located on the traditional lands of the Eastern Maar peoples.