Mossman shop owners demonstrate resilience amid heartbreak in post-flood recovery
BOUNCING BACK
Almost a month since the destructive floods wreaked havoc on Front Street in Mossman, Newsport engaged with shop owners, delving into their tireless efforts to rebuild and the impact of these challenges on both their businesses and mental well-being.
As one drives into Mossman, the town now appears as if there was never a river of water flowing through the main street. However, some businesses still bear closed signs, a stark reminder of the severe damage that has kept them from reopening.
Goodies Cafe, owned by Carl Castles, is one of the establishments that has managed to resume operations after the cafe underwent an intensive seven-day cleanup process.
Previously a flood recovery inspector before venturing into the cafe business, Mr Castles remarked that he has seen a lot in his career, but the damage he witnessed this time ranks among the worst.
“With the cafe covered in mud we had to wash and sanitise everything, reglaze the floor and deal with wet wiring. But considering what happened in other places, we can count ourselves lucky.”
A bit further up the street at Mossman Florist, Heike Williams fought back tears as she shared the dual challenges her shop faced.
Dealing with a broken hip, Ms Williams expressed gratitude for the unexpected help she received. “A couple of backpackers stranded in Mossman pitched in with the cleanup, and in return, I offered them a place to stay. Additionally, two local ladies joined in the efforts, working tirelessly and proving incredibly helpful.
Ms Williams also commended the government for its support. “I had never visited Centrelink in my 40 years here, but I’m very grateful that I can now apply for financial help. Otherwise, I might have considered giving up and walking away after three decades of owning the shop.”
A couple doors further, at Jay Dee’s Variety Store, Santina Di Bartolo described how water flowed down the arcade like a river, leaving behind a pile of mud.
Indicating the water’s reach with a mark on the shop wall, she explained, “We had to remove all cupboard tiles, and it took us a couple of weeks to complete the cleanup.”
Alison and Gazza Mcilroy, who manage Smartphone and Tablet Solutions across the street, faced a four-day closure with their business being one of the closest to the Mossman River.
“We are thankful that we might be able to recover the money lost due to damages through grants and insurance. However, the true impact on us as a small business is the loss of income.”
Despite these challenges, the town's morale remains strong, as expressed by the Mcilroys and also echoed by Theresa from Ives Mensland.
She shared the story of water infiltrating their shop, explaining, “It came through the roof, leaked through the ceiling, down walls, into our work boot area, and in our store room, it leaked everywhere”.
“Fortunately, we had a massive group of volunteers come in to help us get up and running. We were operational within four days, just in time for Christmas. It’s been exhausting, but you just get on with things again, we're pretty resilient.”