Flooding disaster puts decades in business to the ultimate test

The couple have been married and business partners for 32 years, 15 of which have been in the newsagency industry, but they risked losing it all when close to a metre of flood water swept through their Fairfield Shopping Centre Idalia business, Lucky Charm Newsagency, in February 2019.  

“We started business life and married life together and this has by far been the biggest challenge,” Morris said.  

“Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for.  

“I remember talk of the tropical low forming up north and it was coming down but we needed rain badly, so we thought we’d get some rain but we didn’t think we’d get this much.  

“The devastation that came with the rain we could not have prepared for. 

It wasn’t until police evacuated them from their home did they realise what they could be in for. 

“It was then I thought this is pretty serious,” Morris said.  

“We got a message the centre could be in danger and I thought surely not. I couldn’t even get here. We had no thoughts this could be a possibility.” 

It was a week before Annette and Morris could access their business and assess the damage. 

“We were told the centre had been flooded so we had a very anxious week thinking what are we going to have left, what can we save,” Morris said.  

“I remember them saying prepare yourselves but nothing could prepare us.  

“The place was an absolute mess and mould was already coming out of the walls. There was still water in the store we had to have pumped out.” 

They estimate they lost 97% of their stock. 

“The enormity of the strength of the water was unbelievable. All the shelving was caved in, everything was turned to papier-mâché,” Morris said.  

“I think I was in a state of shock. I just stood and stared thinking what are we going to do. 

The Peluchettis were able to access a Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) administered Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant and Disaster Assistance Loan to help with initial clean-up costs and on-going expenses. 

The business re-opened in October.

“There is not a chance we could have done this without QRIDA,” Morris said. 

“Without QRIDA we would not be here today.” 

Annette and Morris were able to attend the Small Business Recovery Hub in Townsville and access one-on-one assistance with their application. 

 “It was good to have face-to-face contact when you are going through the emotional rollercoaster,” Annette said.  

“They were a friendly face and when you needed a hug, you got a hug.  

“They are worth their weight in gold.  

“They were instrumental in helping us, I could not thank them enough. They are a fantastic team.” 

There were moments during the recovery process Annette and Morris were unsure if the business would re-open but have since enjoyed a warm welcome back from their customers. 

“There were a lot of times we thought we wouldn’t come back, the hurdle just looked too large,” Morris said. 

 “We love people and our customers have been unbelievably supportive. It gives us great delight helping people.  

“It has been a tough road but we are relieved to be back and so are our customers.  

“Business is always tough, and we aren’t afraid of work, but this has been the biggest challenge of all.  

“It’s always in the back of our mind but we take one day at a time and move on.  

Morris said they would encourage other flood-affected small business owners to contact QRIDA for assistance.  

“Our advice is to give it a go, the support is amazing and they will help you to no end,” Morris said.

“They make it so much easier. We’ve had great support and I think that’s what helped us through. Everyone in QRIDA has been wonderful and we couldn’t thank them enough. 

“Don’t give up, get the support because they want to give it, so go and get it.” 

QRIDA offers a range of disaster recovery assistance. To see what’s currently available visit Disaster Recovery for businesses.

QRIDA administers financial assistance to disaster affected primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations under the joint Commonwealth / Queensland Government funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018.