More than 35 disabled workers in limbo after much-loved Challenge Tweed not-for profit factory burns to ground

A charity factory providing jobs to more than 35 disabled people has burned to the ground in Tweed. A devastated manager says “people still showed up for work and some of them were crying”.

More than 35 disabled workers are in limbo after a charity factory was destroyed in a fierce inferno at Tweed Heads South.

But it’s fortunate the blaze which ripped through the Challenge Tweed factory on Parkside Dr from about 7.45pm on Tuesday night did not start earlier and endanger those working inside.

The premises were home to two Challenge Tweed not-for-profit businesses.

Synergy Group and Clean Tea were both finalists in the 2023 Tweed Business Awards for providing supportive employment to people living with disabilities.

Firefighters hard at work. Picture: Fire and Rescue NSW Banora Point

More than 40 firefighters and eight trucks, including some from Queensland, were called to tackle the major fire, which is now being investigated by Tweed/Byron Police District officers.

A crime scene was set up and inquiries have begun, but the cause of the fire remains unknown as of midday Thursday, NSW Police confirmed.

Challenge Tweed general manager Monica Leitao, this year’s Heart of Women Awards winner, said she was in the building working late when she heard noises.

Ms Leitao thought an intruder had broken in.

Challenge Tweed general manager Monica Leitao.

“When I came out of the office I saw billowing black smoke coming from the walls … it was intensifying,” she said.

“I exited the front of the building before I made a call to triple-0. Tweed fire brigade and the ambulance were there within minutes.”

Ms Leitao said it was lucky the fire did not occur earlier in the day. The results could have been catastrophic.

“I’m glad the fire didn’t occur during the day when we can have about 30 people with disabilities working in the building,” she said.

Ms Leitao was in tears as she described the factory as being more than just a workplace.

She said employees wake up every morning looking forward to seeing their friends.

“I feel so numb. I’ve cried and I’ve been on autopilot trying to imagine what tomorrow looks like,” she said.

The fire earlier this week. Picture: Fire and Rescue NSW Banora Point

“There was camaraderie, they make me proud … and I love them so much.

“I’m absolutely devastated that overnight that beautiful place is just not there.

“I tried to message everyone the night of the fire, but some people still showed up for work the next morning and some of them were crying.

“It’s just harrowing … they’re scared about going into another place. This was their home.”

It’s not clear right now what will happen to the workers.

Synergy production manager Tabatha Sercombe, 43, worked at the factory for 16 years before the fire.

Synergy production manager Tabatha Sercombe is devastated.

Ms Sercombe said she lives with chronic PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and other health problems.

She said the fire has come as a “huge shock”.

“It’s too early to tell what’s going to happen with us (the employees) now,” she said.

She worried: “We’ve got to move on and look for another job, with the increasing price of living.”

“Synergy has got me to where I am now in life. It’s my whole life. They are my extended family, all of them,” Ms Sercombe said.

“I love going to work and I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Synergy.”

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said it could be difficult for people with disabilities to find rewarding employment.

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry says the loss of the factory is a “big blow” to the community.

“To see this business destroyed and to not know when it will be able to reopen is a big blow to people in our community,” she said.

“The fire conditions and wind in the area were hideous and the firefighters did an incredible job to contain it.”

Richmond MP Justine Elliot, whose office is in Tweed Heads South, said she was heartbroken.

She described Challenge Tweed as an important disability enterprise providing meaningful employment for those keen to work.

“This will be a difficult and challenging time for the employees who were working at Synergy and their families,” she said.

Firefighters in action. Picture: Fire and Rescue NSW Banora Point

“As always, I am here to help and will be working to support those impacted.”

The factory is covered by insurance, but it will likely not cover destroyed stock and equipment.

Ms Leitao has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help the not-for-profit recover from the fire.

“Your support will help us rebuild and continue to offer meaningful employment and personal development opportunities to over 35 individuals with permanent disabilities,” she wrote.

Police have urged anyone with information about the fire to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.