Dunwich Post Office neighbour Daniel Banks is collecting donated goods for Brian and Hetty. Photo by Chris McCormack.
Neighbours of Dunwich post office licensees Brian and Hetty Conlon have spoken about last Saturday morning's robbery and fire.
Daniel Banks and Erin Majewski said they were shocked when they woke to the sounds of Brian and Hetty’s house burning at about 3am.
“I thought the sounds were a bit further away and I waited at the door. I thought no, this is a bit strange and I saw my other neighbour come out,” Daniel said.
“He went into their backyard and saw Hetty wandering around, she finally realised what was going on.”
Daniel said Brian, an auxiliary fire fighter, arrived within minutes to his burning home after extinguishing the fire at Dunwich High.
“I told Brian when he got here that it was a robbery and that his wife had been attacked, his face – I will never forget it,” he said.
“There is nothing left, everything’s gone. Even his wallet was burnt.”
Daniel said he and Erin knew immediately they had to help their neighbours and begin collecting donated goods.
“We’ve been putting flyers out and everyone wants to donate but they don’t know where,” he said.
“Everyone is upset that it happened to these two, they’re just two great people. It’s unimaginable for this to happen to them.
“Donations like clothes or household items are very welcome, but if they have something big like beds or fridges we’ll ask them to pass on their details.”
Daniel said he was unsure what Brian and Hetty would need, or whether they would rebuild but was happy to assist the outcry of support from the community.
“I’m sure if they said they want to rebuild, there would be a pretty big working bee. Everyone would pitch in,” he said.
Daniel and Erin’s house is located next to the Dunwich Post Office, 1 Welsby Street.
More news: Read about the community fundraiser planned for Brian and Hetty here.