Moloney and Sons thanks community for support after fire

The director of a business destroyed by fire has described Rockhampton as a “big country town” as locals rally around them.

The director of a Parkhurst business destroyed by fire has described Rockhampton as a “big country town” as locals rally around them to help them get back on their feet.

Moloney and Sons Engineering’s Lloyd Moloney said people have donated gift cards, computers and desks to the multi-disciplinary consulting and manufacturing engineering firm after the November 6 blaze.

“It’s very evident to us now that when people are hurting, this town’s people are really quite empathetic and get behind them,” Mr Moloney said.

“It’s a side of the town that we haven’t experienced before.

“We call it Rockhampton City, but it is just a big country town.”

A Moloney and Sons’ employee started a GoFundMe fundraiser for the business on November 7 which has already raised $850 with an overall goal of $100,000.

GoFundMe organiser Keiralee Vella described the owners as “one of the most genuine and generous families you could ever meet”.

“This GoFundMe is a way to support them in rebuilding what they’ve worked so hard to create,” she said.

“We’re hoping to raise funds to replace essential tools, equipment, and furniture so that we can restore operations and continue serving our community.

“Together, we can help bring their dream back to life.”

Both the interior and exterior of the Moloney and Sons Engineering facility suffered severe damage during the fire.

Despite the tragedy of the event, Mr Moloney was adamant that the business would not cease their operations.

“We have to keep trading, we have to keep working. I was on site doing inspections yesterday. We can’t stop… we need projects and growth now more than ever,” he said.

“We are working to find another facility really quickly.

“We’ll only come back stronger after this.”

Mr Moloney expressed his gratefulness for the Rockhampton community’s support and the firefighters, paramedics and police officers who attended the blaze.

The aftermath of the fire at Moloney and Sons Engineering in Parkhurst.

“The Moloney family have got nothing but appreciation for our community,” he said.

“We’re actually a bit taken back and humbled by how many people that we didn’t even know have come out and turned up with support.
“We’ve got family and friends in the emergency services - it’s a big thank you.”
“They did absolutely all that they could do.”

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said investigations were ongoing.

“The cause of the fire is still being determined, but looking likely this is non-suspicious,” she said.