Business operators at a Tewantin shopping strip impacted by a fire on Good Friday were buoyed by the community support they received at a fundraising event held last Sunday but still hold some concerns.
Bean Theory cafe owner Jennifer Mendes led the event to raise money to assist business owners who had been most affected by the fire.
Other businesses and suppliers had donated goods and services toward the event and items for raffles held on the day and Noosa Council Library members provided activities. Musician and friend Jack Raymond was the first to put up his hand to offer help on the day, Jennifer said.
“It’s good to see the regular customers coming back to give support and there’s some new faces as well,” she said.
“I want to say thank you to the community and sponsors for the support and donations. I feel we’re being supported.”
Investigations are still ongoing into the suspicious fire that began in J and M Tobacco and Gift Store and affected the row of shops on the corner of Hilton Terrace and Earl Street.
Some businesses have been able to reopen, some have temporarily moved to other premises to operate and for others, which sustained significant damage, the return will take longer.
Jennifer said the fire had left some people fearful.
“We can see the police are doing a great job. It’s just a bit scary,” she said.
“We don’t want to come to work and be scared.”
