On January 6th, 2026, our family’s world was shattered.

My name is Jodus Madrid and my elderly father, Jim Madrid, a 75-year-old 7th Dan Tae Known Do black belt, lost everything he owned when his home was deliberately set on fire in Inverell, NSW. Police investigations found multiple accelerant points, and the case is ongoing. The fire destroyed not just a house — it erased a lifetime of memories, culture, and personal history of Australia's first ever black belt in 1977.

At the time, Dad was not home. He had been admitted into hospital after Aboriginal health workers found him unable to get out of bed, and doctors would not discharge him due to his condition. He lives with vascular dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis, and requires high-level care. Because of this, we accessed his respite care package.

While he was in respite over the Christmas period, his home was burned down.

Dad lost:

Every item of clothing

All personal belongings

Important documents

Jewellery

Thousands of dollars’ worth of artwork

His treasured martial arts memorabilia

Every memory tied to his home

He had no insurance.

Now, he has no home to return to.

We are looking to relocate him closer to me in Adelaide, South Australia and are looking for support with monies associated with the relocation, associated costs with moving into an aged care facility, clothing costs, transport to Adelaide from Inverell, NSW.

al donations will support the care for and ongoing support for Jim Madrid